Introducing Baby to Solid Foods

When introducing baby to solid foods it is important to remember that his main nutrition will still be from the formula or breast milk he gets. Giving baby solids at 4 to 6 months teaches him how to eat from a spoon and that food has different tastes and textures. If your baby is between 4 and 6 months of age you can start him on baby cereals. Jarred fruits and vegetables are generally introduced at 6 months due to baby's sensitive digestion. Not all babies mature at the same time. Consult your pediatrician if your baby's appetite seems to suggest he may be ready for solids earlier than 4 months. Always get your doctor's permission before starting your baby on new foods and watch for any food sensitivities.

Signs a Baby May Be Ready for Solids

If your baby is drinking more than 6 oz. of formula or breast milk at a sitting, he may want something more substantial to fill him up. Some babies are ready for solids sooner than others. Does your baby seem interested in the food you are eating? Does he or she seem to get hungry at or just before mealtimes? If your baby shows these signs ask your doctor about starting him on cereal.

Babies have a supply of iron that begins to deplete around 6 months of age, be careful feeding your baby iron-fortified cereals before that. The best time to begin feeding baby is around the family mealtimes. Babies tend to get overly fussy when they are hungry so it is a good idea to feed them before they get too hungry. Gradually begin feeding them at the table when the family eats. This is a good way to establish good eating habits for your child.

No Milk

As your baby begins eating regular food it may be tempting to give them regular cow's milk but don't. Babies cannot properly digest cow's milk until the age of one year. After 12 months, a baby's digestive system is more capable of breaking down the protein and lactose in cow's milk. Another reason to wait until a year old is that babies given milk too soon may develop a milk allergy. Babies under one year old should never be given honey or cow's milk, although yogurt and cottage cheese are allowed because of the processing they go through.

What to Feed a Baby?

Babies' age 4 to 6 months may be given baby cereal, 1/4 cup of pureed fruits or vegetables and breast milk or formula to equal 25 to 30 ounces per day. The baby's milk provides most of his nutrition in the beginning as he learns to taste, bite and chew new types of food. Not all women are able to breast feed and that's OK. Just make sure your baby gets the best possible nutrition from the food he eats. This is the time for teaching good eating habits so avoid the temptation to introduce junk foods or fast food items. There is plenty of time for your baby to have his first french fry or chicken nugget.