Newborns get all of their nutrients from breast milk or formula. Their just-developed digestive systems can't handle too much more than that for the first few months, and their sucking reflex is designed for a liquid diet. As the reflex begins to diminish, they are able to sit up and their digestive systems mature. They may then be ready for solid foods. Most doctors recommend starting solids somewhere between 4 to 6 months.
Breast Milk or Formula
Even after starting on solids, the mainstay of an infant's diet continues to be breast milk or formula through the first year of life. Both contain vital nutrients for a baby's growth and development in a form fit for just for them. Breast milk conforms to the needs of the baby and provides antibodies from the mother to help establish the immune system. Infants typically need about 5 to 6 oz. every three or four hours to thrive, but pediatrician Dr. William Sears promotes feeding on demand, or whenever your baby seems hungry.
Iron-Fortified Cereal
Rice cereal is the best solid food to begin with because it the least allergenic of any grain. If your infant takes to it well, you can quickly move to other grain cereals. The Mayo Clinic recommends mixing a tablespoon of single-grain cereal with 4 or 5 tablespoons of breast milk or formula for young babies. Additional iron is important -- after a few months, babies begin to lose their iron reserves, and don't get it from breast milk or formula.
Pureed Fruits and Vegetables
Next on the baby's menu are pureed fruits and vegetables. Puree them very fine, almost like a liquid, at the beginning. Gradually move to a coarser texture once your baby takes well to solids. This transition to foods provides them with the highest quantities of vitamins and minerals as they progress from mother's milk or formula to solids and lays the foundation for healthy eating.
Protein
Infants need protein, the building blocks of development. Once your infant is eating solid foods, serve proteins such as pureed and strained meats and chicken. If your family is vegetarian, you can substitute tofu and soy products. When your baby can begin eating finger foods at around 8 months, you can offer cubes of cheese. You can also begin to serve yogurt around the same time, as well as coarser foods. Hold off on fish and eggs until your infant's first birthday, and be cautious with beans because they can give your baby gas.
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