I believe that more fruits and vegetables are always a good thing, and that they don't need quite as much grains and dairy. You will learn your child and know what they need. As they get older they will get better at communicating with you when they are hungry and when they are full. Try and give your child a variety of fruits and vegetables, let them try different textures and tastes. The more the try as a child, the more likely they will enjoy a variety of foods as they get older and become adults.
Babies:
As you start out your baby will have very little to eat... even as small as 1/2 Tablespoon. But as they learn to eat they will eat more. The good thing is that your baby will never let themselves starve... they will be sure to complain if they are hungry!
Most ice cube trays (if you're making your own baby food and freezing it in ice cube trays - a post to come soon about that!) make 1 oz. cubes. 1 oz. equals about 2 Tablespoons.
If you are worried about how much your baby is or isn't eating, call your pediatrician.
Generally a 6-8 month old baby would eat about these amounts each day:
1-2 Tablespoons cereal/grains
1/4 c. fruits (which equals to about 2-4 Tablespoons of puree) becoming 1/2 c. (4-8T)
1/4 c. vegetables (which equals to about 2-4 Tablespoons of puree) becoming 1/2 c. (4-8T)
Toddlers/Preschoolers:
According to the USDA (the creators of MyPlate):
Grains*:
| 2-3 yrs. old | 3 oz. equivalent |
| 4-8 yrs. old | 5 oz. equivalent |
Fruits:
| 2-3 yrs. old | 1 cup |
| 4-8 yrs. old | 1-1 1/2 cups |
Vegetables:
| 2-3 yrs. old | 1 cup |
| 4-8 yrs. old | 1-1 1/2 cups |
Protein:
| 2-3 yrs. old | 2 oz. equlivalent |
| 4-8 yrs. old | 4 oz. equivalent |
Dairy:
| 2-3 yrs. old | 2 cups |
| 4-8 yrs. old | 2 1/2 cups |
* a "1 oz. equivalent"would be: 1 slice of bread, 1 small muffn, 1/3 cup dry oatmeat, 2 small pancakes, 1 cup cereal, 1/2 cup cooked pasta.
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