The first year of your infant's life marks the introduction of solid foods into her diet. However, the type and texture of the foods you give your infant varies depending on her developmental stage. The American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, and other medical experts advise that foods be given to your infant in a specific order. Once your infant's tongue-thrust reflex is diminished and she takes an interest in solid foods, developing a feeding chart may be helpful to ensure your child gets adequate--and safe--nutrition.
Baby's First Solids
Until your infant reaches the 4- to 6-month milestone, your feeding choices are limited to breast milk or iron-fortified formula. The AAP and experts at MayoClinic.com advise that you choose rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula as your infant's first solid, as this food is least likely to cause an allergic response. The Clemson University Cooperative Extension states that oatmeal and barley cereal can then be introduced into your infant's diet, in that specific order. Hold off on mixed-grain and wheat cereals, advises the AAP; these are more likely to cause an allergic reaction in young babies.
Expanding Tastes
After your infant gets used to eating cereal, the Clemson University Cooperative Extension indicates that strained, unsalted or unsweetened single foods can be introduced between the ages of 6 to 7 months. According to the AAP, many pediatricians advise giving your child strained vegetables before offering strained fruits. Start with carrot, squash, green bean and green pea baby foods, then add strained fruits, such as applesauce, bananas, peaches and pears. The AAP advises introducing single foods one at a time, waiting 2 to 3 days before giving your infant a new food so you can give him a chance to adjust to texture and taste--as well as monitor him for any allergic reactions or food sensitivities.
Adding Variety
After the age of 6 months, your child can also have a small amount of pasteurized, unsweetened fruit juice---between 4 and 6 oz. a day. During this developmental stage, you may also want to teach your child how to drink fluids from a cup---with your assistance, of course. Between the ages of 7 to 9 months, the Clemson University Cooperative Extension suggests adding wheat, mixed grain and high-protein cereals to your infant's diet. By 8 months, your infant should be eating a variety of strained meats---chicken, lamb, veal, beef, ham and liver. Mashed-up fruits and vegetables, mild cheese and cottage cheese may also be introduced.
Approaching One Year
The Clemson University Cooperative Extension suggests adding finger foods to your infant's diet between the age of 10 to 12 months; however, MayoClinic.com indicates that many babies may be ready for finger foods earlier--between 8 to 10 months. Stick with finely chopped foods such as cooked pasta, soft fruits, graham crackers, cooked ground meat and cooked vegetables chopped into slices or squares. As your infant reaches the age of one, he can have mashed or chopped servings of what the rest of the family eats, says MayoClinic.com. Avoid slippery, chewy or tough foods that pose a choking hazard, such as raisins, nuts, popcorn, raw carrots, whole grapes, hot dogs, hard candy, peanut butter and large pieces of meat.
Other Feeding Tips
Until age 1, continue to give your infant breast milk or formula--whole cow's milk or soy milk should not be introduced into your child's diet until this age. Also, avoid giving your child citrus fruits, corn syrup and honey before age 1, advises MayoClinic.com. When you first start feeding your infant solids, start with small servings of 1 to 2 small spoonfuls. Don't let mealtimes turn into a battle of wills; if your infant refuses to eat a certain food, don't force her to eat it--just try again at a later date. Also, don't push your infant into eating more when she turns away or refuses to eat. As long as her growth is appropriate for her age, she's getting enough to eat, says MayoClinic.com.
