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Step 1
Watch for:
Absence of the extrusion reflex. A baby who is not ready to eat solids will push them out of his mouth with his tongue. It is a reflex that prevents choking. God is good isn't he? A baby who is ready for solids will not have this reflex. Although, he may push those first few bites out until he is used to the texture.
If you baby is no longer satisfied with 8-10 feedings of breastmilk or formula a day. Remember, babies often have growth spurts around 3-4 months. It seems like they eat non-stop during this time. This doesn't mean they need solids.
Your baby will act interested in what you are eating. He may even grunt and reach for your food or smack his lips and imitate chewing. This is really cute!!! It also signals the beginning of the end for quiet peaceful meals.
Your baby is double his birth weight
Your baby sits well and holds his head up unassisted. This happens around 6 months of age. -
Step 2
The first meal- I have a friend with three little girls. For each child's first meal, she gets out the silver sippy cup and spoon. She dresses them really cute and videos each minute. I think this is a really cute idea.
I addition to making memories, you will also want to choose a time of day when your baby is the least fussy. Start out with just one meal a day for a week or so and feed him that meal at the same time each day. You may want to give a bottle or nurse before this meal, so he will not be too fussy. You will not be decreasing the amount of milk your baby takes in a day. Food will be an addition to any breastmilk or formula given. -
Step 3
I have read that these first meals should be just 1 or 2 teaspoons. I think this varies from baby to baby. Babies will turn away or close their mouths when they are full (if only adults could do that). I've seen babies throw back a jar of cereal in one sitting and I've seen babies eat just a couple of bites. One possible downside to letting a baby have a large quantity at first is that it could possibly cause a tummy ache. Their little digestive systems just aren't used to having to do a lot of work. BUT try to tell that to a baby who wants more cereal. You will find out really quickly who the boss is! Her is a hint: It is not you!
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Step 4
When you introduce solids, start with cereals. The AAP suggests iron fortified rice cereal because it is easily digested and has a very low risk for allergic reaction. The next cereals to try are oatmeal and barley. Give each cereal for several days before moving on to a new one. Do not give mixed cereal until you have introduced each cereal by itself.
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Step 5
After cereals are introduced you can give either fruits or veggies. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHICH ONE. Your baby will not develop a sweet tooth from getting fruit before veggies. There have been many studies that have proved "veggies must be given before fruit" to be a myth. Just follow the rules regarding allergies and you will be fine.
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Step 6
Do not give honey to your baby!Avoid the following foods from ages 4 months to 12 months (and some even after that):
Honey- Honey can cause botulism in children under the age of 1 year.
Peanut butter- Peanut butter carries a high risk for allergy and is also difficult to swallow.
Cow's milk- Cow's milk lacks the nutrients that a baby needs to grow into a healthy toddler. It is also difficult to digest and can be damaging to the kidneys.
Foods that are dry and crumble easily- Think cornbread. These foods are easy to choke on.
Large pieces of food.
Hard foods.
Foods that are difficult to chew.
Comments
NightowlMama said
on 1/27/2009 luv those first feeding pic's aren't they precious
healthymomof5 said
on 1/26/2009 Great advice!5*
cosmopinkice said
on 1/25/2009 Great details and super article. This is so helpful and full of useful information. Your articles are great! 5*