A baby will let you know when she is ready for solid foods. She may perk up while you're eating, or open her mouth automatically when she sees a fork or spoon. A baby is ready to eat solid or jarred foods when she understands how to swallow solid food and has learned how to keep her head up, usually between the ages of 4 and 6 months. Start by introducing baby cereal, then move on to jarred or pureed foods. Discuss your plans with your child's pediatrician first.
When Baby Is Ready
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solid or jarred food to a baby when he is 6 months old, though some children may show readiness signs as early as 3 or 4 months. To see if your baby is ready for solid or jarred food, examine his tongue-thrust reflex. This instinctive action protects your baby from choking on food or foreign objects. When a baby understands how to use his tongue and swallow, he may be ready for solid food. Other signs include your baby's ability to keep his head up for long periods of time and he seems interested in your food.
Introduce Baby Cereal
Before you run to the baby-food aisle for jarred peas, introduce baby cereal. Baby cereal is gentle on your baby's stomach and comes in a fine, smooth texture. Some brands of baby cereal are fortified with iron and other vitamins and nutrients. Mix 1 tbsp. of baby cereal with 4 or 5 tbsp. of breast milk or formula. To ensure your baby receives adequate nutrition during this transition, continue to follow your normal breastfeeding or formula schedule. Sit your baby in a high chair and dab a little cereal on her lip. If she likes it, place half a spoonful in her mouth. Be sure to leave enough time so that you can feed your baby and so she can explore this new sensation.
Jarred Food
Once your baby has gotten the hang of cereal, introduce pureed or jarred baby food. Start off with single ingredients first. Pay attention to how your baby reacts to newly introduced foods. If he experiences a rash, bloating or excess gas, diarrhea or vomiting, then he might have a food allergy. Some foods to stay away from until your baby turns 1 include eggs, citrus fruits such as oranges, fish, seafood, peanuts and peanut butter, the KidsHealth website advises, as these all may cause an allergic reaction in babies. Make note of any foods that cause an adverse reaction in your baby and speak with your child's pediatrician.
Get Approval
It is important to speak with your child's pediatrician before transitioning from liquid to solid foods. Your child's pediatrician will let you know whether your baby is ready or not, and can provide helpful tips and advice on how to feed your baby and on which foods to choose. Consider making your own baby food at home. Not only is it more economical, you will know for sure exactly what you are feeding your baby.
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