How Many Calories a Day Does a 7-Month-Old Child Need?

Your seven-month-old is growing at a rate of 1 to 1.25 pounds each month, according to KidsHealth 1. In order for him to grow and develop properly, your baby needs calories as well as protein, vitamins, minerals and fat. You can make sure that your baby receives the nutrition and calories necessary by observing his needs and offering a balanced diet 3.

Caloric Needs

Kids and Nutrition states that a boy aged seven to 12 months needs about 825 to 920 calories a day 3. A baby girl the same age needs 765 to 865 calories each day. Because the range extends to one year, a seven-month-old will likely need the lower end of the scale.

Factors

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There are several factors that can affect your baby’s caloric intake needs. Her size is an indication of what she will need. If she is large for her age, she may require more calories. She will also need more when going through a growth spurt. She may need fewer calories than a boy because girls typically have smaller physical frames.

Calorie Sources

Your seven-month-old will receive calories from a variety of sources. According to Drugs.com, he needs about 24 to 36 ounces of formula or breast milk daily. He will also eat about two tablespoons of pureed fruits and vegetables each day. Medline Plus suggests that you offer him plain fruits and vegetables, such as:

• peaches
  
• pears
  
• applesauce
  
• bananas
  
• squash
  
• sweet potatoes
  
• carrots

His diet should also consist of iron-fortified cereal and pureed meats, and he can have about ½ cup of 100 percent juice each day.

Foods to Avoid

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Avoid giving your seven-month-old foods that she can choke on. These include:

• beans
  
• nuts
  
• apple chunks
  
• grapes
  
• hot dogs
  
• peanut butter

You should also avoid eggs and cow’s milk, as her body is not yet ready to tolerate these. Do not give her citrus fruits or juices, such as pineapple, orange or grapefruit, because the acidic properties can cause diaper rashes.

Recommendations

Your baby’s doctor will likely monitor his growth on charts that indicate his weight and height patterns. If he is not growing properly, his doctor may ask you questions about his diet or recommend that you offer more calories or nutrients. Keep in mind when offering new foods to your baby that he may not seem interested at first. Continue to offer the new food every few days until your baby tries it.