How many calories should a baby eat a day?

Question

My baby is 8 months old and she eats like a horse! She is not overweight, but I'm wondering how many calories she should eat a day to make sure it's not over kill.

I am not going to restrict her diet. I never intended to. I was just curious about all the food she's eating and how many calories it really does have. This question was sparked by two bite brownies (2 pack that you get at KFC) that have 190 calories per package. I didn't give this to my daughter, but I thought, if I eat that in two brownies, what's in her baby food, breast milk, etc. More out of curiousity. She weighs in at about 21 lbs and is 8 months old. I was very similar to her at her age and weigh about 190 lbs. I have no qualms about letting her pig out LOL

Answer 1

I wouldn't worry unless your doc says you need to

Answer 2

Babies eat what they need. They do not eat out of boredom or if they are sad or happy like adults do. Babies eat much more when they are going through a growth spurt. putting restrictions or concerning yourself of your baby will only cause you and your daughter trouble down the road. It may lead to eating disorders as she gets older or fights with food bewteen the two of you. Children do not get fat on healthy foods or eating their fill of those foods. Sodas, juice, junk food and making them finish their plate when they are full and rewards of sweet treats when they do (or when they are good) do that.

I read your other question, Girl you are setting your daughter up for trouble. Do you have a problem with food? Breastmilk is highly nutritious and I commend you for providing her with such a wonderful gift but please do not ruin it by putting such fears in your head or later on in your daughters head about excessive weight gain.
Breastmilk is tailor made for your baby, formula fed infants generally tend to weigh more than breastfed babies because the breastmilk adjusts itself to your baby's needs formula does not.

Let your baby eat off of you and supplement some solid foods by now. Don't allow her much sweets or sodas and and do not reward with food. Be a good example and you should never have to concern yourself with your daughters weight

Answer 3

Before you do any dietary modification, ask your baby's doctor to show you her growth chart. You can determine by the plots the rate at which she is growing and whether an intervention is necessary. (Highly unlikely at this age.) Also consider your family history of height and weight.

Answer 4

Babies don't over eat. So don't worry about it. NEVER try to restrict a baby's caloric intake.