When to start feeding your baby solids depends upon a number of factors. Some babies will be ready sooner than others. There are parents who choose to breast feed exclusively for the first year, while others will have given the baby his first bites of cereal by the time he is four months old.
Time Frame
Most babies will be ready to start eating iron-fortified cereals between four and six months of age. Once your baby has been introduced to cereal, such as rice, barley and oatmeal, you can begin giving her pureed fruits and vegetables. By about eight months, she will be ready for proteins, small amount of dairy products and finger foods.
Considerations
There are signs that will determine if your baby is ready to begin eating solid foods. Before introducing cereals, your baby should be able to hold his head up, sit in a high chair and show some interest in food. He will also open his mouth for the spoon, then close his mouth around the spoon. He should be able to move food from the front to the back of his mouth, and move his tongue back and forth.
Amounts
Once you have determined your baby is ready to start eating cereal, begin with 1 tsp. of dry rice cereal mixed with a couple of teaspoons of breast milk or formula. Gradually increase the consistency of the cereal and amount of food, to 3 to 9 tsp. of cereal per feeding. By the time your baby is six months old, she may be eating cereal twice a day. Start with about 1 tsp. of a fruit or vegetable, and build to 1/2 cup in two to three feedings.
Solid Foods
Once baby is six to eight months old, he will begin to develop the skills necessary to feed himself. He will develop the ability to pick up food between his thumb and forefinger, known as a pincer grasp. He should also be able to transfer objects from one hand to the other and move his jaw in a chewing motion. Good finger foods to start with include O-shaped cereal, well-cooked pasta and teething crackers.
Warnings
Do not give your baby whole milk or honey until she is a year old, because her digestive system is not yet mature enough to handle them. Also, egg whites and citrus fruits are highly allergenic, and should be avoided until after a baby's first birthday. Be sure to cut all food into small pieces before giving them to your baby. Another practice to avoid is putting your baby to sleep with a bottle of formula or juice, as this allows sugar to pool in the mouth and can lead to cavities. Consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about how much or what your child is eating.
