How to Introduce Solid Foods to a Baby

The following is information on introducing solid foods to a baby; however, you should always consult your baby's pediatrician before making changes in his diet. Although some babies will be ready for solid food as early as 3 months of age, most infants do not begin solid foods until they are between the ages of 4 and 7 months.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The first and most important step when introducing solid foods to your baby is making sure he is safe. To minimize the potential of choking, your baby should be sitting upright in either your lap or an infant seat. If you are using an infant seat, your baby should be buckled in, and remember to NEVER leave your baby unattended on an elevated surface such as the kitchen table or counter!!!

2. Your baby should never be forced to start solid foods. Rather than going by a date listed in a baby book, let your baby tell you when he is ready for solids. If your baby cries or turns away when you try to feed him, go back to nursing or bottle-feeding for a few days and then try again.

3. Which feeding should you introduce solid foods? It really does not matter. Choose the feeding that is most convenient and acceptable to both you and your baby. If your infant tends to be fussier during certain times of the day, you probably want to avoid that particular feeding. Also as your baby gets older, it is a good idea to allow your baby to eat with the rest of the family. This will help instill good eating habits for his future.

4. You should always use a spoon to feed solid foods to your baby unless your pediatrician has recommended otherwise. Some babies may need to have their formula thickened with cereal at an earlier age to help with reflux. Allowing your baby to eat solid foods out of a bottle or infant feeder can lead to overeating and excessive weight gain.

5. Help your baby make the transition from an all liquid diet to the introduction of solid foods. Use a small spoon (one specifically for babies or a small coffee spoon) and begin with a VERY small amount of food (approximately 1/4 teaspoon). Talk your baby through the process by saying such things as, "Yummy, this is so good!" The first few times will no doubt be a little difficult, but do not become discouraged.

6. Increase the size of his feedings very gradually until he gets the idea of swallowing the solid foods.

7. Most babies are introduced to solid foods in the following order: cereal (mixed with formula or breast milk), meat, vegetables, and fruit. It is highly recommended that your baby be started on rice cereal as others (wheat and mixed cereals) may cause allergic reactions in very young babies. Once your baby has accepted the type of food you started with, it is okay to move on to the next. (I.E. If you start with cereal and the baby has accepted it, it is okay to move on to meat.)

8. To help detect food allergies in your baby, you should introduce only one new food at a time and wait at least two or three days before starting another. Watch for responses such as diarrhea, rash, or vomiting. If your baby has any of these symptoms, eliminate the suspect food from his diet until you have consulted his pediatrician.