One of the biggest milestones in your baby's life will be his transition from breast milk and formula to solid food. Although the exact age at which this takes place will differ from child to child, physicians generally recommend introducing solid foods between the ages of 4 and 6 months, when your child's nutritional needs can no longer be met only by breast milk and formula.
Getting Started
According to MayoClinic.com, you'll be able to tell when your baby is ready for solid food by observing her behavior. For example, once a baby can hold her head in an upright, steady position, this may be an indicator that she's ready for solid food. Other indicators include the ability to sit up with support and an increased interest in the food that you're eating. The clearest sign she's ready for solid food is if she holds a spoonful of food in her mouth and swallows, as opposed to spitting it out. At first, it's a good idea to supplement your baby's breastfeeding or bottle feeding with solids; you should also check with a pediatrician or a dietitian to ensure that your baby is ready for solid food.
Recommendations
MayoClinic.com recommends that the first solid food for your baby should be some type of iron-fortified cereal; several brands use natural and organic ingredients. Once your baby gets the hang of eating solids, you can introduce different types of pureed meat, vegetables and fruit. As your baby grows, you can gradually introduce finely chopped finger foods, such as pasta or soft fruits; this typically takes place between the ages of 8 and 10 months.
Off Limits
Several types of food shouldn't be given to babies transitioning from milk to solid foods. Honey and corn syrup, for example, should be avoided in children under 1 year; not only do these sweet foods contain few nutrients required by a baby, they also might contain spores that could cause infant botulism. Also avoid foods that could cause a baby to choke, such as wieners, nuts, seeds, popcorn, grapes, raw carrots and candies. Do not give your baby foods that are toug, including chunks of meat, or sticky, such as peanut butter. Although natural, home-prepared baby food is often superior to store-bought varieties, avoid feeding babies less than 4 months old any homemade or canned spinach, beets, turnips and collard greens, which could contain harmful nitrates from the soil in which they were grown. In addition, sweets and sweetened beverages, such as fruit juice, are not recommended, as they can contribute to subsequent tooth decay.
Tips
There are a number of natural ways to make your baby's transition to solid food smooth. MayoClinic.com recommends encouraging your baby to explore and play with his food; put a drop-cloth or towel on the floor to handle the mess. Another natural way to ease the transition is to offer your baby milk or formula in a cup instead of from the breast or a bottle, which can pave the way for weaning her. Finally, don't be insistent that your baby eats; if she turns away from a particular food, leave it and try again another time.
