12 month old feeding schedule
At 12 months solids take over as the main source of nutrition, and whole cow milk can become the main drink — about 350 to 500ml a day. Three meals and two snacks is the usual shape.
| Time | Feed | What that looks like |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 | Breakfast | Porridge or eggs, with fruit and a cup of milk. |
| 9:30 | Snack | Yogurt, or fruit with a thin spread of nut butter on toast. |
| 12:00 | Lunch | The family lunch, chopped or served in strips as needed. |
| 15:00 | Snack | Cheese, soft fruit, or leftovers from lunch. |
| 17:30 | Dinner | The family dinner, portioned out before salt is added. |
| 19:00 | Milk | A cup of milk with the bedtime routine, ideally followed by tooth brushing. |
Milk at 12 months
Around 350 to 500ml of whole cow milk a day, or continued breastfeeding for as long as it suits you both. More than 500ml tends to crowd out iron-rich food.
Solid meals at 12 months
Three meals plus two snacks, mostly from the family menu. Keep salt low and skip added sugar.
The shift at 12 months is more about the drink than the food. Once cow milk becomes the main drink, watch the volume — a toddler filling up on milk is the most common reason solids get refused.
Common questions
How much milk does a 1 year old need?
Around 350 to 500ml of whole cow milk a day. Much more than that fills them up and can reduce iron absorption.
Can a 12 month old eat what we eat?
Mostly yes. Portion out their share before you add salt, keep whole nuts and whole grapes off the plate, and cut round foods lengthways.
Should I still cut food into strips?
Many toddlers manage bite-sized pieces well by now. Keep cutting round or firm foods lengthways, and keep supervising meals.
Medically reviewed by TODO REVIEWER NAME, RD, pediatric dietitian — last reviewed . See our editorial and review policy.