How Much Food Is Too Much? 

Know the difference between a healthy appetite and an excessive appetite. 

Jan.27, 2023

Baby led weaning bib by Bibbrella

Some parents worry their little ones aren’t eating enough, but other parents may be wondering if their babies are being a tad too enthusiastic about mealtime. There’s no exact formula for how much food a child should eat once they start solids, so it can be difficult to know whether or not your child is simply excited about starting solids or if they’re actually overeating. 

How Do I Know If My Baby Is Eating Too Much?

Eating too much rarely becomes a chronic issue for younger babies, as regular check-ups with the pediatrician helps parents stay on top of their child’s growth and nutritional needs. However, a short term response to overfeeding or overeating may be marked by spitting up food that’s been consumed. If your munchkin is continually eating too much, your pediatrician should be able to guide you regarding any feeding schedule or diet changes. 

A healthy appetite is great, but transitioning to solids does require a fine balance between feeding and eating. If your baby is eating too much solids and not feeding enough while weaning, milk or formula can easily be snuck into certain types of foods to ensure that your baby is getting all the nutrients they need. Keep in mind that babies will gradually eat more solids and less milk or formula as weaning progresses, so eating habits can change rapidly. 

What to Do If Baby Eats Too Much

It’s unlikely that babies will eat too much, but there can be issues related to eating when starting on solids. Chronic indigestion or persistent diarrhea after starting solids are signs that something bigger may be at play. Checking in with your pediatrician is always your best bet when eating or feeding concerns arise. 

Meanwhile, how do you manage intake without restricting food or contributing to a negative relationship with food? Rather than focusing on the quantity of food your babe is consuming during meals, look for signs of fullness:

- Turning away from food
- Appearing bored or distracted after eating
- Getting cranky about being in a high chair
- Spitting food out
- Seeming content, relaxed, or sleepy 

Baby led weaning (BLW) can also help kids develop a more positive relationship with food, because it allows children to eat more intuitively. It can also lower parents’ anxieties about overfeeding, as babies will be able to explore and eat at their own pace. Just have your little one slip on a full-coverage bib to keep mess to a minimum!