Rice cereal is the best first food for your infant, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. With this choice already made for you, the next question that comes to mind is when your baby can take her first bite from the spoon. Infants can be fed rice cereal between 4 and 6 months, says the AAP. However, don't be discouraged if your baby isn't ready to eat promptly at the 4-month marker; look for signs of developmental readiness before you introduce solids into your infant's diet.
Before Solids
Before 4 to 6 months, feeding your baby rice cereal or other solids isn't recommended. The University of Michigan Health System points out that solid foods can upset your infant's delicate tummy. In addition, the AAP states that before this age, your infant hasn't yet lost his tongue thrust reflex. This reflex is what makes your baby push his tongue against toys, spoons and anything put in his mouth.
Signs of Readiness
Between 4 and 6 months, your baby acquires the oral coordination needed to masticate and swallow, says MayoClinic.com, which goes onto notes that most babies are ready for supplemental cereal feeding, in addition to breast- or bottle-feeding when they show signs of readiness. Your infant should be able to sit with her head held in a steady, upright position, without the need for support. Her interest may be piqued by what you're eating, says MayoClinic.com. The National Institutes of Health further indicates that your infant may be ready to eat solids if her birth weight has doubled.
Preparing Rice Cereal
If your baby exhibits signs that he's ready to eat and you have his doctor's OK, start with small servings of iron-fortified rice cereal, MayoClinic.com advises. Mix a single tbls. of the cereal with 4 to 5 tbls. of breast milk or formula. Don't use fruit juice to thicken the cereal; the AAP points out that babies should not receive juice until at least 6 months. It's OK if the rice cereal is soupy; once your baby is a more proficient eater, you can introduce thicker textures.
Feeding Infant
The NIH suggests offering your infant rice cereal twice each day in small servings of 1 to 2 tbls., gradually increasing the amount to 3 to 4 tbls. as your baby's eating skills progress. Don't feed your infant rice cereal in a bottle unless recommended by a doctor or dietitian, cautions the NIH, as this can cause reflux. It's not uncommon for your baby to refuse cereal feedings at first, says MayoClinic.com. Have patience and try again at a later time.
What Comes Next
After your infant masters rice cereal, add other varieties, such as single-grain oatmeal or barley, says MayoClinic.com. Save wheat and mixed-grain cereals for last, advises the AAP, as these can cause allergic reactions in infants. Don't insist that your baby eat a full 4 oz. of cereal each day. The AAP states that it's more important that your infant acquire good eating habits, such as sitting up, accepting bites and resting when she's full.
