11-Month-Old Eating Schedule: A Realistic Daily Meal Plan for Your Baby

Introduction: Why an Eating Schedule Matters for 11-Month-Olds

By the time your baby reaches 11 months, you may feel like you’ve survived a rollercoaster of feeding challenges. From introducing solids at six months to navigating gagging, messes, and picky days, you’ve already done a lot of hard work. But now, your little one is almost a toddler—which means their nutritional needs are changing again.

At 11 months, babies need three solid meals a day plus snacks, in addition to breastmilk or formula. Creating a realistic meal schedule not only keeps your baby nourished but also helps establish healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.

In this guide, we’ll break down a sample 11-month-old eating schedule, the best foods to serve, what to avoid, and even easy recipes you can whip up without spending hours in the kitchen.

Understanding Your 11-Month-Old’s Nutritional Needs

At this stage, your baby is:

• Eating more solid foods than before.
• Still relying on breastmilk or formula for key nutrients.
• Exploring textures, flavors, and finger foods.
• Developing hand-eye coordination with self-feeding.

How much should an 11-month-old eat?

• Breastmilk/formula: 16–24 ounces daily.
• Solids: Three meals + 2 snacks.
• Water: A few sips with meals (up to 4–6 ounces total).

Your little one’s appetite may vary day to day, so think in terms of weekly intake, not each single meal.

Signs Your Baby Is Ready for a Structured Meal Plan

Not sure if your 11-month-old is ready for a schedule? Look for these signs:

• Reaches for food when hungry.
• Shows excitement at the highchair.
• Can chew soft solids and finger foods.
• Extends feeding intervals to 3–4 hours.

If your baby shows these cues, you can confidently begin a structured eating routine.

Sample Daily Eating Schedule for an 11-Month-Old

Here’s a balanced eating schedule that many moms find realistic and easy to follow:

Morning Routine (7:00–8:00 AM)

• Breastfeed or formula (6–8 oz)
• Breakfast:
  • ½ cup oatmeal with mashed banana
  • Small sips of water

Mid-Morning Snack (10:00 AM)

• Soft fruit pieces (strawberries, kiwi, or blueberries)
• Tiny cheese cubes or yogurt

Lunch (12:30 PM)

• Mashed sweet potato with shredded chicken
• Steamed peas or carrots
• 2–3 tablespoons of rice

Afternoon Snack (3:00 PM)

• Rice cakes or whole-grain puffs
• Avocado slices

Dinner (6:00 PM)

• Scrambled egg or soft tofu
• Mashed lentils with spinach
• Small piece of whole-grain toast

Bedtime Feeding (7:30–8:00 PM)

• Breastfeed or formula (6–8 oz)

This schedule can be adjusted depending on your family’s routine, but it ensures your baby gets nutrition every 2–3 hours while also sleeping through the night.

Best Foods to Include in an 11-Month-Old’s Diet

Fruits & Veggies

• Bananas, blueberries, peaches, pears
• Steamed carrots, peas, zucchini, sweet potatoes

Protein-Rich Foods

• Shredded chicken, ground turkey, fish (low mercury)
• Eggs, beans, lentils, tofu

Whole Grains & Carbs

• Oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice
• Whole-wheat pasta or toast

Dairy & Healthy Fats

• Yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese
• Avocado, olive oil, nut butters (very thin spread)

Foods to Avoid at 11 Months

Safety still comes first! Avoid:

• Choking hazards (whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, raw veggies)
• Honey (risk of botulism until 1 year)
• Added sugar & processed foods
• High-salt foods (baby’s kidneys are still developing)

Meal Prep & Easy Recipes for Busy Moms

Being a busy mom means you need meals that are nutritious but quick. Here are some go-to recipes:

1. Banana Oat Pancakes

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp oats
  Cook small pancakes in a nonstick pan. Perfect for self-feeding!

2. Mini Veggie Muffins

• Shredded zucchini, carrot, and spinach
• Whole wheat flour + egg
• Bake in mini muffin tins for grab-and-go meals.

3. Avocado Toast Sticks

• Whole-grain bread
• Mashed avocado spread thinly
  Cut into finger-sized strips for easy holding.

4. Chicken & Sweet Potato Mash

• Steamed sweet potato
• Shredded chicken
• Olive oil drizzle for healthy fats.

Tips for Picky Eaters at 11 Months

Every mom knows the frustration of babies refusing food. Try these gentle solutions:

• Offer variety: Rotate textures and flavors daily.
• Eat together: Babies mimic your eating habits.
• Keep portions small: Less pressure means less resistance.
• Make it fun: Use colorful plates and finger foods.

Transitioning to Toddler Meals After 12 Months

When your baby turns one:

• Cow’s milk (whole) can replace formula.
• Meals become closer to family-style eating.
• Snacks expand into more textures (like soft granola).

The goal? To ease your baby into the family table with healthy habits already set.

Frequently Asked Questions About 11-Month-Old Feeding

1. How many meals should an 11-month-old eat?
Three meals + two snacks, plus breastmilk or formula.

2. Do they still need night feeds?
Most 11-month-olds can sleep through the night, but some may still need one feed.

3. Can I give cow’s milk?
Wait until 12 months before making cow’s milk the main drink.

4. How much water is safe?
Up to 4–6 ounces daily is fine, offered in a sippy cup.

Conclusion: Building Healthy Eating Habits Early

An 11-month-old eating schedule isn’t just about meals—it’s about creating structure, reducing stress, and laying the foundation for healthy eating habits. By offering balanced meals, watching for hunger cues, and keeping food fun, you can make mealtimes enjoyable for both you and your baby.

And remember, every family is different. Some moms love meal prepping, while others focus on simple, fresh foods. Either way, what matters most is keeping your baby nourished, happy, and thriving.

If you love creating meaningful moments around mealtime, you might also enjoy exploring DIY New Mom Gift Ideas that show love and care—because motherhood deserves celebration too. Check them out here: DIY New Mom Gift Ideas.