1. Who?
It is exciting, fun and a little confusing when your baby begins to eat solids. Parents and grandparents always enjoy feeding babies, but it is important to introduce solids carefully. Remember that at this age, solid foods are only a supplement to breast milk or formula, which should still be a large part of your baby's diet. Usually, infants between 4 to 7 months old may start solids. You can start them earlier if your baby drinks 6 to 8 ounces of milk in a single feeding or has about 30 ounces of milk per day. He also needs to have good head control so he can be fed sitting up. He should be able to sit comfortably in a high chair or a parent's lap. If you notice your baby thrusting his tongue out, this can be a sign that he's not ready to eat solids yet. This tongue reflex will naturally go away when he is ready. Even if you're excited about feeding him solids, it's important to wait until your baby is ready for them.
2. What?
Most pediatricians recommend rice cereal as the perfect first food. Very few babies are allergic to it, and you can make it thin enough to be safe for an infant. Oat, barley and wheat can be introduced over the next 3 months. After cereal, you can move to vegetables. Don't start with fruits unless you want a baby with an early sweet-tooth! Wait until your baby is 7 to 9 months old before you introduce any meats. She's getting the protein she needs from breastmilk or formula, and some babies may be more likely to have a meat protein allergy. You may choose to make your own baby food or choose from the many little jars in your local grocery store. Homemade fruits and vegetables need to be cooked, blended and then strained. Only mashed bananas are safe uncooked, because the peel is so thick and protects the fruit from bacteria. There's no need to add any salt, sugar or spices. Homemade spinach, carrots, beets and squash are often times not recommended due to irregular and high amounts of nitrates. Nitrate poisoning is a concern prior to 6 months of age when the blood is still not mature. Generally these are safe after this age but jarred foods are always tested for nitrate levels to insure they are low enough to be considered safe. Ask your pediatrician if you have any concerns. When he is between 8 to 12 months old, your child may begin table food. The following foods are easy to eat: well-cooked pasta, rice, potato, crackers, dry cereal, egg yolks, diced cheese and meat, and cooked vegetables. Avoid small, hard and round foods such as whole grapes, hot dogs (unless sliced lengthwise), nuts, spoons of peanut butter, popcorn, raw carrots and celery. Children younger than one also shouldn't have honey because of botulism risks. If your child gags or vomits with any food, immediately stop feeding if and check with your pediatrician.
3. When?
Start any time in the day that is convenient to Mom or Dad. Start once a day and within a few weeks, increase to 2 to 3 times per day. Feed in between breast or bottle feedings. Watch for any major drops in milk intake. By age one, your baby may be eating solid foods 3 to 5 times per day.
4. How?
Your baby should always be upright and fed with a spoon not a bottle, unless there is a special medical condition such as reflux. Allow your child to hold the spoon and develop confidence. Start with a few tablespoons of rice cereal (made with water, breastmilk or formula) and gradually increase to a quarter-cup or 4 oz. Stick with one new food for about 5 days before starting another new food. Watch for allergy symptoms, such as rashes, vomiting, or diarrhea. Stools may have undigested fiber if vegetables aren't fully strained. Tell your doctor if there are changes in appetite or any allergic reaction.
5. Why?
Feeding should be fun and not stressful. Follow your baby's cues about dislikes, hunger and fullness. Eating solid foods help include your baby in the family's mealtime. This is the start of healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
