Just as a baby undergoes a great deal of change during the first year of life, so does baby's diet. But feeding baby can be a messy business, and new parents may get frustrated and think their child is picky when more food ends up on the floor than in baby's stomach. However, this hands-on approach is a result of a baby's natural curiosity and is a normal part of a child's developmental process.
Birth to 6 Months
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages breastfeeding because it provides babies with optimal nutrition, as well as protection against infection. The longer a baby is breastfed, the more pronounced the benefits. Ideally, you should breastfeed baby exclusively during the first six months. If breastfeeding is not an option, you may choose formula instead.
Between 5 and 6 Months
At this point, you may introduce solid foods in addition to breastfeeding. You will know your child is ready for solid foods if his tongue-thrust reflex, the natural reflex that causes infants to push things out of their mouths, has disappeared or diminished, according to Kids Health. Other signs that it may be time to introduce solids include baby's good head and neck control, an ability to sit up and an interest in the food others are eating, as demonstrated by staring or grabbing at food.
A common first food is rice cereal thinned with lots of formula or breast milk. After a few weeks, you may add pureed vegetables and fruits to baby's diet, introducing one new food at a time. Gradually work up to offering baby about four 2- or 3-tbps. servings of vegetables and fruit each day.
Between 6 and 8 Months
After your baby becomes comfortable with sold foods, she may enjoy feeding herself with finger foods, such as small pieces of soft cooked vegetables or peeled soft fruits, graham crackers, noodles or toast strips, reports the National Institutes of Health. Just make sure they are things she can suck on and that don't require chewing. This is a good time to offer teething foods, as well, such as unsalted crackers and bagels.
Between 8 Months and 1 Year
At 8 months, your baby may be ready for strained or finely cut meats. At this point, it is especially important for breastfed babies to start eating meat, which is often a good source of iron, because breast milk provides very little iron, according to the NIH. The American Academy of Pediatrics adds, that you should continue breastfeeding through the first birthday. Breastfeeding can continue beyond that, as long as mother and baby are comfortable with it.
Guiding Principles
When you start feeding a baby solid food, most of the food may end up on the bib, face or high chair. Remember that a messy start is not unusual. Your main goal is introducing the concept. Breast milk or formula is still baby's primary source of nutrition.
If baby refuses to eat a certain food, simply try it again in a few weeks. It may take several tries before baby warms up to some foods, notes the Mayo Clinic, adding that it is important to try to keep baby's diet varied.
Warnings
Do not feed babies foods that could cause choking, such as hot dogs, grapes, apple chunks, peanut butter, nuts, popcorn or round candy.
Do not give a baby under 1 year cow's milk. With its high protein and mineral content, babies can't digest it easily. Cow's milk also lacks the right balance of nutrients for infants.
Babies should not eat honey because it might contain bacteria that could cause infant botulism.
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