How Much Protein Does My Baby Need?
The short answer
Babies 0-6 months need about 9.1 grams of protein daily, which is provided entirely by breast milk or formula. From 7-12 months, they need about 11 grams, and toddlers 1-3 years need about 13 grams daily. Most babies and toddlers easily meet their protein needs through normal eating. Good protein sources include meat, eggs, dairy, beans, tofu, and nut butters.
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By Age
What to expect by age
Breast milk and formula provide complete protein for your baby. Breast milk contains about 1 gram of protein per 100ml, which is perfectly calibrated for infant needs. No additional protein is needed.
As solids are introduced, protein-rich foods like pureed meats, beans, and tofu can be among the first foods. However, breast milk or formula still provides the majority of protein at this stage.
Offer protein at each meal: pureed or mashed meats, well-cooked egg, mashed beans, yogurt, or soft tofu. These also provide important iron and zinc. About 11 grams of protein daily is the target, and much of this still comes from milk feeds.
Baby should be eating protein sources at most meals. Soft finger food proteins like shredded chicken, small meatballs, scrambled eggs, and beans are appropriate. Most babies meet their protein needs easily from a combination of solids and milk.
Toddlers need about 13 grams of protein daily, which is relatively easy to achieve. A serving of yogurt (4g), a scrambled egg (6g), and some cheese (3g) would exceed daily needs. Too much protein, particularly from milk, is actually more common than too little.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Baby eats some protein sources and drinks breast milk or formula
- Baby prefers certain protein foods over others
- Baby gets protein from a variety of animal and plant sources
- Baby refuses all protein-rich foods including meat, eggs, beans, and dairy
- Baby follows a strict vegan diet and you want to ensure adequate protein
- Baby has poor muscle tone or slow growth and you wonder about protein intake
- Baby shows signs of severe protein deficiency such as edema, poor wound healing, or severe muscle wasting
- Baby is not growing and has a very restricted diet
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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Related Feeding Concerns
My Toddler Won't Eat Meat or Protein
Meat refusal is one of the most common food rejections in toddlers. Meat can be challenging to chew and has a texture many toddlers find difficult. There are many other protein sources including beans, lentils, eggs, cheese, yogurt, nut butters, and tofu. As long as your toddler gets protein from other sources and has adequate iron, meat refusal alone is not a nutritional crisis.
Iron-Rich Foods for Babies
Iron is one of the most important nutrients for your baby's brain development, and iron needs increase significantly around six months of age when the iron stores they were born with begin to deplete. Introducing iron-rich foods as some of your baby's first solids is recommended by the AAP. Great first iron-rich foods include iron-fortified infant cereal, pureed meats, beans, lentils, and tofu. Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources like fruits and vegetables helps your baby absorb more iron.
Why Is Fat Important in My Baby's Diet?
Fat is crucial for your baby's brain development, nervous system growth, hormone production, and absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K. About 40-50% of calories in breast milk and formula come from fat, and children under 2 should not have fat-restricted diets. Healthy fat sources include avocado, nut butters, olive oil, fatty fish, egg yolks, and full-fat dairy.
When to Introduce Allergens to Baby
Current guidelines recommend introducing common allergens (peanut, egg, cow's milk products, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame) starting around 4-6 months when your baby is developmentally ready for solids. The landmark LEAP study showed that early introduction of peanuts (by 4-6 months) reduced peanut allergy risk by 80% in high-risk infants. Do not delay allergens - the old advice to wait until 1-3 years has been reversed because early exposure actually prevents allergies.
I'm Worried My Baby Is Aspirating During Feeds
Aspiration means liquid or food enters the airway instead of the stomach. Occasional coughing during feeds is common and does not usually indicate aspiration. True aspiration is less common and may present as recurrent respiratory infections, a wet or gurgly voice after feeds, or chronic cough. If you are concerned, a swallow study can provide a definitive answer.
Could My Baby Be Aspirating During Feeding?
Aspiration occurs when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus. Signs include coughing or choking during every feed, a wet or gurgly voice after eating, recurrent chest infections, and breathing changes during meals. Silent aspiration can occur without obvious coughing. If you suspect aspiration, contact your pediatrician as a swallowing study can diagnose it.