Your baby's nutrition is extremely important; how and what he eats determines how well he grows. Proper nutrition powers his immunity, his muscles and bones, and his developing brain. Though breast milk or formula makes up a majority of your infant's diet, after several months, you can begin to introduce various solid foods. Talk to your pediatrician about your child's nutrition and devise an appropriate plan for the various stages of his development.
The First Six Months
During the first six months of your baby's life, he needs only breast milk for nutrition. Breast milk supplies all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients your baby's growing body requires. Except in rare instances, breast milk is the best food option for all infants. Infant formula, however, is an effective alternative if you cannot or choose not to breastfeed your child. Select a formula with iron if you wean your baby before 12 months of age.
Introduction of Solid Foods
After four to six months, your baby's reflexes and coordination begin to change; she can usually make "chomping" motions with her mouth, and her rooting-sucking reflex begins to wane. You can introduce certain solid foods while maintaining breast- or formula feeding. The order in which you introduce foods is inconsequential, according to the American Dietetic Association. Traditionally, rice or grains are introduced first, followed by fruits, vegetables and meats. However, your child may benefit more from the iron and zinc found in pureed meats, especially as you wean her off breast milk. Feed your infant one new food at a time, and monitor her for allergic reactions. Avoid feeding eggs, nuts, honey and fish to minimize allergy development.
12 to 18 Months
The toddler stage marks a period of exploration for your baby. He learns to walk, and as his coordination increases, so does his desire to move. He may also perfect the art of using a spoon during mealtimes, eating many of the same foods as the rest of the family -- albeit in smaller pieces. During months 12 to 18, you can introduce whole cow's milk and yogurt, soft cheese, iron-fortified cereals and grains, fruits like melon, papaya and grapefruit, as well as eggs, fish and smooth peanut butter.
18 to 24 Months
As he gets closer to the age of 2, your child may start to ask for more food or tell you when he is done eating. He is now able to eat vegetables like cooked broccoli, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, casseroles, sliced fruits like cherries and oranges, and dried fruit -- if it is soaked and not a choking hazard. Rice cakes, cut-up bagels, pretzels and other grains may also be introduced. Continue to monitor your child for allergic reactions. Watch his chewing and swallowing carefully as well, to prevent him from literally biting off more than he can chew.
