For the first six months of life, your infant should be solely breast- or formula-fed. Even a 7-month-old should be fed mostly breast milk or formula. However, protein-rich milk may be accompanied by some nutritious pureed foods. The optimal diet for a 7-month-old baby includes breast milk or formula; fortified rice cereal and pureed baby food fruits and vegetables.
Calories and Protein
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Dietary Reference Intakes, a 7-month-old girl, on average, requires 608 calories per day, 95 g carbohydrates and 1.2 g protein per kilogram body weight. A 7-month-old boy needs about 668 calories per day and the same amount of carbohydrates and protein per kg of body weight. Babies need fat as well but there is no Recommended Adequate Intake level for total fat. However, like adults, babies require omega-3 and omega-6 fats, also known as the essential fatty acids. Breast milk is rich in essential fatty acids and many formulas are fortified with these fatty acids.
Breast Milk or Formula
A 7-month-old baby requires 28 fluid oz. of formula or breast milk daily to ensure adequate protein intake. One scoop of formula provides about 43 calories, 1 g protein and 4 g carbohydrates. The ratio of liquid to powdered formula is 2 fluid oz. water per scoop. Fourteen scoops, or four to five 6 fluid oz. bottles provides about 600 calories, 14 g protein and 16 g carbohydrates. The nutritional composition of breast milk varies but on average, the same amount of breast milk provides about 630 calories, 12 g protein and 65 g carbohydrates.
Solid Foods
Formula or breast milk provides the most nutrition for a 7-month-old; however, there is still room for fortified cereal, fruits and vegetables. Because allergies are common, most health care professionals recommend starting with a mixture of fortified baby rice cereal and formula or breast milk. If you do not use commercial jarred baby food, you can prepare your own. Fruits may be pureed and strained as-is, however, vegetables should be cooked until tender prior to pureeing and straining. Serve them at room temperature.
Juices
A 7-month-old baby should be offered no more than 4 to 6 fluid oz. per day of pasteurized, 100 percent juice from a cup. To prevent tooth decay, a baby should never be put to bed with a bottle of juice or formula; only water if necessary. Some fruit juices, such as prune, apple and pear, contain proportionally more fructose than glucose. Too much fructose may cause gas, bloating and diarrhea in infants. Thus, formula, breast milk and water are the best options.
Considerations
According to Kid's Health and pediatrician Dr. Steven Dowshen, some foods should be withheld until after your child's first birthday. These foods include eggs, cow's milk, citrus fruits, citrus juices and honey. These foods are highly allergenic or can cause gastrointestinal upset or food poisoning. Choking is more of a hazard with infants consuming bite-sized foods, however, every parent should be aware of this risk. At 7 months of age, an infant's diet should be limited to liquids and pureed foods.
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