If your baby doesn't seem enthralled with the prospect of whole milk or solids, one thing to keep in mind is that integration of foods other than breast milk or baby formula takes place at specific developmental stages. A baby who doesn't appear to like whole milk or solids simply may not have reached the age at which time these foods are appropriate.
Baby Nutrition Overview
The only nutrition your baby needs during the first six months of his life is breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula, states the Clemson Cooperative Extension. Breastfeeding is recommended over formula feeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dietetic Association for the first six months. Solid foods can be added when your baby is developmentally ready--between the age of 4 to 6 months--but solid foods should be supplemented by breastfeeding or formula feeding up until the age of 1. Once your child has his first birthday, only then is it appropriate to give him whole milk.
Addition of Solids
Until the age of 4 to 6 months, babies have little control over their tongues and oral muscles, relying on a tongue-thrust pattern to nurse, states the Clemson Cooperative Extension. This reflex makes them push against solids with their tongues. If your baby doesn't seem to like solids, she might not be developmentally ready. Signs of readiness indicate your baby is ready to expand her nutritional horizons. She holds her head up independently and sits with minimal assistance. She displays an interest in food on your plate and opens her mouth for a spoon.
Feeding Tips
Choosing the right first solid yields the best success. MayoClinic.Com advises choosing powdered rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula so the texture is soupy. Place a small amount on a separate plate. Offer your baby small bites from a spoon. Feeding your baby solids can be good, messy fun, as your child explores new tastes and textures. MayoClinic.com cautions you not to turn feeding into a power struggle; if your baby refuses to eat, simply wait until another time and try again.
After your baby comfortably eats cereal, slowly add other single-food types, such as pureed meats, vegetables and fruits. MayoClinic.com advises waiting three to five days before you add another food to your baby's menu, so you can spot foods that cause a bad reaction, such as vomiting, rash and diarrhea.
Addition of Whole Milk
Whole cow's milk is poor in iron. If you give your baby whole milk before she's ready, she's at risk for iron-deficiency anemia. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration points out that giving whole milk to a baby younger than the age of 6 months can irritate her bowels and cause blood loss, which in turn can result in anemia. Don't offer your child whole milk until she's 1 year of age, at which point she's able to get the right amount of iron from solid foods.
Whole Milk Tips
Some infants initially don't like whole milk, as they've grown accustomed to the taste of breast milk or formula, says the Nemours Foundation. If your 1-year-old doesn't like whole milk, mix it with breast milk or formula. Gradually increase the ratio of whole milk to breast milk or formula until your child adapts to the taste of whole milk. The Nemours Foundation points out that this is also a good time to teach your child to use a cup.
Other Feeding Facts
Just like solid foods and whole milk aren't appropriate for your baby before he reaches a certain stage of life, there are other foods to avoid. The Nemours Foundation states that babies younger than the age of 6 months should not be given fruit juice. Also, according to MayoClinic.com, babies younger than the age of 1 should not be fed citrus, honey or corn syrup.
