Formula or breast milk is enough to sustain your baby until she reaches six months of age. Some babies require additional nutrition as early as four months of age. When milk is not enough, introducing solid foods is the next step. The University of Florida explains that rice cereal, or pureed fruit or vegetables are commonly introduced to babies first. Spoon feeding a baby solids for the first time can be a messy experience, but once your baby gets used to eating from a spoon, introducing different types of food will be an interesting adventure for both of you.
Step 1
Place a bib on your baby to protect his clothes. Use a rubber-coated baby spoon to protect his gums.
Step 2
Sit your baby in a feeding chair on a solid, stable surface. Seat yourself in front of your baby.
Step 3
Fill the spoon halfway with baby food. Hold the spoon in front of your baby at a distance of 12 inches.
Step 4
Push the spoon into your baby's mouth when she notices the spoon. Fill the spoon halfway with solid food after she's taken the first spoonful, and wait for her to swallow.
Step 5
Offer your baby another mouthful when he opens his mouth again. Continue feeding your baby in this manner until he refuses to open his mouth.
Tips and Warnings
- In the beginning, your baby may allow more food to fall out of her mouth than she ends up swallowing. This will improve once she becomes better acquainted with spoon-feeding.
- Do not force your baby to eat from a spoon. If he refuses the spoon, try again in a few days.
Things You'll Need
- Bib
- Baby feeding chair
- Rubber-coated baby spoon
