Here is our tasty guide for babies who are ready to start eating solid foods. If you have any questions that aren't answered below, please send them in to C&J, our wonderful nutritionists!
TASTYBABY'S GUIDELINES FOR STARTING SOLIDS & INTRODUCING NEW FOODS
STARTING SOLIDS
Parents make the decision to introduce their children to solid foods at different ages, depending on their babies’ readiness. Age and size, nutritional needs, development and other factors all go into this important decision. We strongly suggest that you consult your pediatrician for guidance as doctors have individual philosophies on when babies should start solids.
Tastybaby does not give medical advice. The decision about when your baby is ready to eat should be based on sound professional opinions. This section on Starting Solids was compiled from a variety of respected professional sources (listed below) and is intended to be used as a supplement to your physician's recommendations.
You can also use the useful Mealtime Solutions Baby Food Diary to keep track of new foods that you introduce to your baby.
When to Begin Introducing Food
Most babies do not begin eating solid foods until about 4-6 months, as their nutritional needs are met completely through breast milk, iron-fortified infant formula or a combination of the two. Around 4-6 months, your baby will probably begin to take notice of people eating, and may mimic this or smack his or her lips and drool. This is a sign that your baby is getting ready to graduate to solid foods.
Why wait? Most pediatricians strongly counsel against offering anything other than breast milk or formula to babies younger than 4 months for a variety of reasons:
1. In order to safe-guard against a possible allergic reaction. The younger the baby, the more dangerous a potential reaction could be; this is especially true if there is a family history of food allergies.
2. Babies’ digestive systems are better equipped to handle food closer to 6 months of age.
3. The younger the beginning eater, the higher the choking hazard.
4. Until 4-6 months, babies on breast milk and/or formula do not require solid foods for their nutritional needs.
5. Introducing solids to too-young infants can cause loose bowel actions or diarrhea.
Contrary to old-wives-tales, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization all agree that babies do not sleep any better if solid food is added to their diets. If your baby is under 4 months old and “seems hungry,” try increasing breast milk and/or formula.
Signs That It’s Time for Solid Food
(We find the following checklist useful in making the big decision!)
• My baby can hold his or her head up and steady while seated.
• My baby sometimes smack lips or drools when food is near.
• My baby seems interested in food when others are eating.
• My baby sometimes reaches for or grabs at spoons and food.
• My baby can swallow well. (Dab a little food on his or her tongue to gauge this.)
Time of Day
• It’s advisable to avoid introducing your baby to new foods (or most new experiences) in the evening. Babies are less likely to be confused or disoriented during daylight hours and doctors’ offices are easily reachable during business hours in the event of an allergic reaction.
• Feedings are an important social time for you and your baby. Put your baby in a comfortable seat and choose a time when he or she is not too tired hungry for first feedings. Your baby may be less anxious just after a short nursing or formula feeding.
FEEDING TIMELINE
4 to 6 Months: Start Simply
Most doctors recommend starting out with a single-grain such as rice or oat baby cereal; (we like organic options best). Cereals and formula are often iron-fortified since babies’ iron stores tend to drop at around 6 months.
It is not advisable to put cereal or other solid foods in babies’ bottles for them to ‘drink;” they should experience how foods taste and feel in their mouths.
• Step 1: Always make sure your baby is sitting up and positioned to look at the face of the person feeding him or her. Mealtimes provide important opportunities for babies and their caregivers to smile, laugh, talk and enjoy being together.
• Step 2: Mix 1 - 2 teaspoons of dry cereal with enough breast milk or formula to make it like thin gravy.
• Step 3: Using a small spoon with a long handle and a rubber coating at the feeding tip, place a small amount in the middle of your baby’s tongue.
• Step 4: Begin feeding slowly. Pace yourself and do not rush, even if your baby seems eager for more.
• Step 5: Increase the amount and thickness of the cereal once your baby gets used to the consistency. Feedings will gradually increase to 4-6 tablespoons of cereal twice a day. After that, it’s probably time to move on from plain cereal!
Keep in Mind …
• Eating solids is an adventure, and some babies are more adventurous than others. Every new food is a new sensation in taste and texture. Babies may make faces or may push food out of their mouths, and it may take 10 to 15 attempts before your baby is eager to eat a new food. This is normal. Don’t be discouraged. Take delight that your baby is letting you in on a unique part of his or her personality! Pretty soon, your baby will become more accustomed to eating all kinds of foods and will eventually open his or her mouth in anticipation.
• Babies’ appetites vary from day-to-day. They’ll let you know they are full by turning their heads away from the spoon or holding their lips closed. Never force a baby to eat after he or she indicates fullness. Respect your baby’s appetite and pay attention to these signals – this will help your baby learn to eat just the right amount.
• Be prepared: all babies will make a mess as they learn to eat! This is not the time for you to dress your baby in his or her best clothes … try to embrace the messiness and have fun with it.
Introducing First Foods
Once your baby has mastered cereal, it’s time to introduce vegetables and fruits. Here are some tips on how you may want to proceed:
• Introduce one new food every 3-4 days to allow your baby’s system to adjust. Watch carefully for any unusual reactions or allergies, including: a new skin rash, diarrhea or vomiting. Tell your pediatrician about any reactions. Hint: keep a diary of all foods attempted and any reactions.
• Begin with 1-2 teaspoons of steamed, puréed vegetables such as squash, peas, carrots, pears, sweet potatoes, bananas, etc. Gradually increase the amount depending on your baby’s appetite.
• Choose morning or daytime feedings when initiating a new item.
• Do not combine different fruits and vegetables until you are certain that your baby can tolerate each on its own.
• Stay away from potential allergens such as wheat, dairy, egg-whites, nuts, soybeans or citrus. Ask your healthcare provider for specific guidelines.
• Although fruit is not proven to create “sweet tooths,” many parents choose to start their babies on vegetables.
• If your baby refuses a new item the first time, try again in a day or so.
• Juices are not advisable until your baby is using a cup. This will help protect his or her teeth from tooth decay.
7 to 9 Months: Advancing Gently
At this point, babies are ready to increase the variety of foods and textures in their diets.
By 7 months, your baby should be eating 2 meals of cereal, fruit and vegetables per day, in
addition to continuing breastfeeding and/or formula.
• Meat, poultry and some fish (no shellfish) may be introduced at this time. Progress from fine purées to foods with some texture. Little-by-little, coarsen the textures to introduce your baby to chewing. Eventually, you should offer him or her food that is chopped into small pieces, but always consider choking hazards.
• Some dairy-based foods such as whole milk yogurt can be introduced at this time. Stay away from any reduced-fat milk products until your child is 2 years old.
• Consult your pediatrician for advice on how many ounces of breast milk and/or formula your baby requires now that he or she is eating more.
• Home-cooked meals are wonderful! Take care to ensure that bacteria does not form during the cooking, packing, refrigerating and/or freezing, thawing, reheating, etc.
• Avoid honey, which may contain botulism spores (harmful to infants).
• Experiment with gentle herbs and spices to entice and develop your baby’s palate; do not offer your baby foods with added salt or sugar.
• Give your baby a small spoon to encourage self-feeding, even while you continue to feed him or her most of the food.
• Begin to encourage drinking from a cup.
• When your baby can grasp food with his or her fingers, you might introduce soft finger-foods such as pieces of banana or well-cooked vegetables. Delay introducing hard foods (cereal, crackers, teething biscuits, etc.) to reduce the risk of choking.
• Always stay with your baby while he or she is eating.
10 to 12 Months: Joining the Rest of the Family
By the end of 12 months your baby should be ready to eat a wide variety of family food, although we found that most babies (especially if they are self-feeding) continue to enjoy puréed baby food for another year … sometimes longer!
• Begin incorporating finely chopped tab¬le food, well-cooked vegetables (without salt or sugar), cottage cheese and other soft or lumpy foods into your baby’s diet. (Babies use their gums and tongue to mash the lumps, so it doesn’t matter if your baby has no teeth!)
• Most babies eat 3 or 4 meals a day.
• Self-feeding should be encouraged and praised. As babies grow more independent they should a spoon when being fed and use both hands while drinking from a cup.
• Remember to make each feeding a special time for you to communicate with your baby. Name the foods he or she is eating and talk about objects in the area, utensils, colors of the food, etc.
• Most doctors agree that 16-24 ounces of whole cow’s milk can be added each day if your baby has not exhibited any signs of allergy to dairy and/or lactose intolerance. (Babies and toddlers need the fat in either breast milk or whole cow’s milk for proper growth and development; low-fat milk should not be introduced until two years of age.)
Introducing cow’s milk:
• Since cow’s milk is not the best source of iron, continue breast milk and/or formula until your baby reaches at least 12 months.
• Since cow’s milk contains higher levels of protein, salt, potassium and calcium than either breast milk or formula, dairy products should be introduced gradually to avoid over-loading your baby’s kidneys.
• Cow’s milk should not be your baby’s main drink – water is an ideal beverage.
12 to 18 Months: Your Baby’s growing Up!
Daily amounts that children should now be eating include:
• 16-24 ounces of breast milk or cow’s milk
• 4-8 tablespoons of fruits and vegetables
• 4 servings of bread, starch and cereal (a child’s serving is 2 tablespoons of pasta, potatoes, rice or ¼ slice of bread) We prefer organic, whole-grain breads and multi-grain cereals.
• 2 servings of meat, poultry or fish (serving = ½ ounce)
• Continue to avoid peanut butter and nut products until after the 2nd year.
Eating Safely
Take great care with foods that require extensive chewing, or which could cause choking if swallowed whole such as:
• Chunks of meat, cheese or bread
• Hot dogs or hot dog “coins”
• Whole grapes, berries and other fruit
• Any hard, raw fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Chunks of peanut butter
• Hard or sticky candy
• Popcorn
Follow these guidelines while feeding babies and toddlers:
• Always supervise babies and young children. Choking incidents often occur when older siblings offer babies food they’re not yet ready for.
• Encourage small bites and chewing well.
• Insist that children sit during meals and snacks. Never allow them to run or lie down while eating.
• Always cut food into pieces less than ¼ inch in size.
• Use a highchair with safety straps and always buckle your baby in.
Online Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics
World Health Organization
Interntaional Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation
Keep Kids Healthy.com
Baby Center
Parenting Magazine
Better Health Channel
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