Newborn babies get nutrients through breast milk or formula, but by 4 to 6 months old, babies are ready to begin eating solids. Some signs your baby is ready for his first food include good head control, sitting well with support and a healthy appetite despite regular feedings, according to BabyCenter. You can choose whatever you want for your baby's first food, but rice cereal or oatmeal are good choices because they are bland and not likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Step 1
Breast feed or bottle feed your baby. Your baby will likely only eat a small amount of food the first time he tries cereal, so it's best to give him a regular feeding first so he is not distracted because he is hungry.
Step 2
Prepare baby cereal by mixing 1 to 2 tsp. of baby cereal with enough formula, breast milk or water to water it down.
Step 3
Seat your baby in her highchair and make sure to fasten her properly.
Step 4
Scoop a small amount of cereal on the baby spoon. Do not heap the spoon full of food at first.
Step 5
Offer the spoon to your child. He may be more curious about the spoon at first, looking at or smelling the cereal before tasting it.
Step 6
Feed spoonfuls of cereal to your baby. Go slowly so your baby begins to become familiar with the feeding process.
Tips and Warnings
- No evidence suggests that using single-grain cereal as the first food provides your baby with any benefit, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, so choose another food if you wish. You can introduce solids at any of your baby's regular feedings. Try to feed your baby when the rest of the family is eating to incorporate him in the family routine. Once your baby has mastered his first food, you can gradually thicken the cereal. Over time, add new foods so he becomes accustomed to new flavors and tastes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing foods one at a time and waiting at least two to three days before introducing another to watch for allergic reactions. Signs that your baby is full include playing with the spoon, turning his head away and leaning back in his highchair, according to BabyCenter. Keep in mind that a baby's appetite will fluctuate just as yours does. Don't be concerned if she eats more one day and less the next. Solid foods should not completely replace breast milk and formula in your baby's diet, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Until they turn one year old, breast milk and formula are an important source of nutrition for babies.
Things You'll Need
- Rice cereal or other baby cereal
- Breast milk or formula
- Bowl
- Baby spoon
