Feeding Infants in CACFP Child Care Programs

Infant Meal Pattern

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) infant meal pattern indicates the meal components that must be served to infants from birth through 11 months. The CACFP infant meal pattern includes two infant age groups: birth through 5 months; and 6 months through 11 months.

  • Breastmilk, iron-fortified infant formula, or portions of both must be served to all ages at each meal and snack. Breast milk is recommended in place of infant formula from birth through 11 months. 
  • Solid foods are introduced at 6 months of age or when the infant is developmentally ready. Once an infant is developmentally ready to accept solid foods, these meal components are required and the CACFP facility must offer them to the infant. As a best practice, the USDA recommends that parents/guardians submit a written request to the CACFP facility regarding when solid foods should be introduced to their infant.

The CACFP infant meal pattern requirements are defined in 7 CFR 226.20(b) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) CACFP regulations. Effective October 1, 2025, revised product-based limits for added sugars in breakfast cereals and yogurt are required by the USDA final rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Meal Pattern Guidance

Meal Modifications

CACFP facilities are required to make reasonable meal modifications on a case-by-case basis for infants whose disability restricts their diet, when the modifications are supported by a written statement from a state licensed healthcare professional or registered dietitian. Modifications within the CACFP infant meal patterns (such as substituting banana for strawberries) do not require a medical statement but the CACFP facility may choose to require them. 

CACFP facilities must keep daily menu records of all meals and snacks served to each infant enrolled in the CACFP. CACFP facilities may choose to have a standard infant menu template that is adjusted for each infant based on what foods each infant is offered. Sample infant menu forms are available in the “Infant Forms” section.