8-Month Baby Food Chart: What to Feed and a Sample Routine

By 8 months, most babies have got the hang of eating and are ready for more variety, thicker textures and a regular routine. This 8-month baby food chart shows what to feed, a sample daily routine and the textures to aim for – with simple, home-style foods from a Pakistani kitchen.

What changes at 8 months?

• More meals: between 7 and 9 months, babies gradually move towards 3 small meals a day, alongside breast milk or formula.
• Thicker textures: mashed food with soft lumps, and soft finger foods your baby can hold.
• More variety: combine grains, vegetables, fruit, daal, egg, yoghurt and well-cooked chicken or meat.
• Milk still matters: breast milk or formula remains an important part of your baby’s diet until 12 months.

Foods to include at 8 months

• Grains: multigrain baby cereal, soft rice, khichdi, dalia (broken wheat) cooked soft, small pieces of soft roti dipped in daal.
• Protein and iron: mashed daal, well-cooked egg, finely minced chicken or mutton, soft-cooked beans.
• Vegetables: steamed carrot, potato, pumpkin, peas, spinach (cooked and mashed), lauki, tori.
• Fruit: banana, papaya, mango, chikoo, steamed apple or pear, soft melon.
• Dairy: plain full-fat yoghurt (dahi), small amounts of paneer.

Sample daily routine for an 8-month-old

Every baby is different – use this as a guide, not a strict schedule.

• Early morning: breast milk or formula.
• Breakfast: multigrain cereal mixed slightly thick, with mashed banana or a spoon of plain yoghurt.
• Mid-morning: breast milk or formula.
• Lunch: soft khichdi with mashed vegetables (no salt), and soft fruit pieces.
• Afternoon: breast milk or formula; soft fruit as a snack if your baby is hungry.
• Dinner: mashed daal with soft rice or small pieces of soft roti, or mashed egg with vegetables.
• Bedtime: breast milk or formula.

Offer small sips of boiled and cooled water from an open or free-flow cup with meals.

How much should an 8-month-old eat?

Portions vary a lot from baby to baby and from day to day. Start with a few tablespoons per meal and let your baby lead – they will lean in and open their mouth when they want more, and turn away when they are full. If you are worried about your baby’s growth or appetite, check with your paediatrician.

Finger foods to try

Soft finger foods help your baby practise chewing and self-feeding. Try steamed carrot sticks, soft banana pieces, well-cooked pasta, soft roti strips and small pieces of soft paneer. Cut food into finger-length pieces your baby can hold, and always stay with them while they eat.

Still avoid before 12 months

• Honey, added salt and sugar (including in daal, khichdi and cereal).
• Tea and coffee.
• Whole nuts, whole grapes and hard raw vegetables (choking risk).
• Cow’s milk as a main drink (it is fine in cooking and food).
• Fried, very spicy or packaged salty snacks.

Frequently asked questions

Can my 8-month-old eat what the family eats?
Yes, if you take your baby’s portion out before adding salt, chilli and strong spices, and mash or chop it to a safe texture.

Can I still use 6-month cereals?
Absolutely. Sunshine Oats and Wholesome Wheat & Fruits remain great choices – rotating cereals adds variety. Many parents choose the Trio Pack to switch between all three.

My baby refuses lumps – what should I do?
Move gradually: mash a little less each week and keep offering. If your baby gags often or cannot manage any lumps by 9–10 months, mention it to your paediatrician.

This guide is general information based on WHO and NHS guidance and is not a substitute for medical advice. If your baby has allergies, eczema or a medical condition, please speak to your paediatrician about their diet.