Here's Zack in his new high chair... eating cereal.
Introducing solid foods: What you need to know
If you're eager to expand your baby's diet, take care not to move too fast. Here's help choosing and introducing the right foods.
Does your baby seem interested in what you're eating? Is he or she still hungry after regular feedings? Maybe it's time to introduce solid foods. But don't retire those bottles or nursing pillows just yet. Make the transition to solid foods gradually.
Is your baby ready?
Breast milk or formula is the only food your newborn needs. Within four to six months, however, your baby will begin to develop the coordination to move solid food from the front of the mouth to the back for swallowing. At the same time, your baby's head control will improve and he or she will learn to sit with support â€" essential skills for eating solid foods.
Most babies are ready for solid foods between ages 4 months and 6 months. Look for these cues:
Can your baby hold his or her head in a steady, upright position?
Can your baby sit with support?
Does your baby seem hungry between regular feedings or wake for nighttime feedings after a period of sleeping through the night?
Is your baby interested in what you're eating?
If you answer no to any of these questions or you have a family history of allergies, you may want to postpone solids for a while.
What to serve when
Continue feeding your baby breast milk or formula as usual. When your baby's doctor says it's OK to begin varying the menu, mix 1 teaspoon of a single-grain, iron-fortified baby cereal â€" preferably rice, which is least likely to provoke food allergies â€" with 4 to 5 teaspoons of breast milk or formula. Even if the cereal barely thickens the liquid, resist the temptation to serve it from a bottle. Instead, help your baby sit upright and offer the cereal with a small spoon once or twice a day.
Some babies eat cereal with gusto right from the start. Others are less enthusiastic. Be patient. If your baby isn't interested, wait a week or two and try again. Remember, your baby isn't used to food with texture.
When your baby gets the hang of swallowing runny cereal, mix it with less liquid. Then gradually introduce pureed fruits, vegetables and other new foods one at a time. Wait at least a week between each new food.
By age 10 months to 12 months, most babies can handle small portions of finely chopped finger foods, including soft cheese, well-cooked pasta, graham crackers and ground meat. After your baby's first birthday, mashed or diced versions of whatever the rest of the family is eating will become the main fare.
What about juice?
You can offer mild juices â€" preferably the fresh variety with added calcium â€" when your baby is 6 months old. Limit it to 4 to 6 ounces a day, however, and serve it in a cup. Too much juice may contribute to weight gain and diarrhea, as well as thwart your baby's appetite for more nutritious solid foods. Sipping juice throughout the day or while falling asleep may lead to tooth decay.
Loading...
3:39
Time to meet Hannahby baptistandy46,705 views
All Comments