Starting Baby on Solid Foods

There are many milestones that you and your baby will share as he grows and develops. One of these is beginning your baby on solid foods. As he continues to grow, his appetite will expand, and he will no longer rely on just breast milk or formula for his sustenance.

How old should my baby be to begin eating solid food?

Until the past several years, many parents began giving their babies cereal mixed with formula and placed into a bottle when the babies were only a few weeks old. This was thought to help babies sleep for longer periods at night.

Today, pediatricians realize that babies who are given solid foods too early may develop serious food allergies. Most doctors now recommend that parents begin introducing solid foods between the ages of four and six months of age. Starting before or even after this time frame could increase the risks that your baby could develop a food allergy.

What are some signs that I should look for when starting baby on solid foods?

There are several signs that you can look for to help you decide if your baby is ready for solid foods.

1. Does your baby seem curious when you are eating? Maybe she reaches for your food, or she gets excited when she sees you eating.
2. Can your baby sit up with assistance? If so, she may be ready to eat solid foods.
3. When you put a spoonful of food into her mouth, does she continue to push it out with her tongue? If so, you may want to wait another week or so and try it again. If she is able to swallow the food after a few tries, however, she is probably ready to begin eating solid foods on a regular basis.

What foods should I begin giving to my baby?

Obviously, you should consult your pediatrician before you begin introducing solids to your baby. He or she will probably tell you, however, to begin giving your baby a fortified baby cereal, such as rice, barley, or oatmeal mixed with breast milk or formula. Your doctor will probably also caution against giving your baby any fruit juice until he is around six months of age, and then you should refrain from giving citrus juices.

You can begin giving your baby a little cereal once or twice a day, but don't force him to eat more than he wants. His primary source of nutrition should still come from breast milk or formula. Once he has mastered the art of pushing the cereal to the back of his mouth and swallowing, you can begin introducing other foods.

You should stick to baby foods that are labeled "first foods". These are typically pureed without any lumps. Most pediatricians will recommend fruits and vegetables, but you probably won't start meats until your baby has become adept at chewing and swallowing.

How can I tell if my baby has a food allergy?

You should give your baby only one new food at a time. After you have introduced that food for several days, you can then introduce a new food. Be sure you wait several days between each new food, so that you can determine what foods might be potential problems. If you notice a rash or other problem, or if you have a question, notify your pediatrician.

Should I still give plenty of formula or breast milk once starting baby on solid foods?

Your baby should still get plenty of formula or breast milk until he is a year old. Because you will be seeing your pediatrician regularly during the first couple of years of your baby's life, he or she will tell you how much solid foods to give your child as he grows.

Finally, feeding your baby should be a positive experience for you both. Don't try to force your child to eat something that she clearly doesn't like. Instead, give her other foods that she does like, and eventually, you can reintroduce that food. You may find that her preferences change as she grows. Meal times should be pleasant for you and your child, so be sure to talk, sing, and laugh with your baby as she enjoys her food.

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