When is my baby ready for solid foods?
Why is solid feeding so important?
What to feed your baby?
What if he turns away?
How to start feeding your baby?
Recommended Introductory Foods
Foods to Avoid
Allergies
Why organic for my baby?
General Guideline for Introducing Foods
Food Exposure Chart
When is my baby ready for solid foods?
Babies are typically physically and developmentally ready for solids around 6 months of age. Signs of readiness include:
- Keeps food in his mouth rather than squeezing it back out onto his chin
- Baby is starting to reach for food on your plate
- Sits up, alone or with support
- Opens mouth when spoon is coming
- Turns head away if he doesn't want it
- Closes his lips over the spoon
Why is solid feeding so important?
A baby's palate develops significantly during the time between 6 months and two years of age. It's important to encourage a variety of strong flavors and textures during this time. In addition, solid feeding is an important component for motor development and social development.
What to feed your baby?
Breast milk and/or formula will remain the main source of your baby's nutrition until about 9-12 months of age. The following is a guideline on how much to feed:
Begin with 1 tablespoon of rice cereal to 3 tablespoons of breast milk or formula. Following your baby's lead, slowly increase the amount and thickness of the cereal. Once they are eating 2 to 3 tablespoons of cereal, add a second feeding, which can be either more cereal or a fruit/veggie.
What if he turns away?
Not to worry! He's just letting you know he needs a little more time. The same way that children walk and talk at different times, children are ready to eat at slightly different ages. Offer solids every few days, and soon he'll be ready.
How to start feeding your baby?
Begin by choosing a time when the baby is not frantically hungry and open to something new. Put some food on his lips and if he opens his mouth, put small amount of food in with the tip of the spoon. Stop as soon as he indicates he is done (signs: lean back, press lips together, turn head away, clap lips shut, act bored).
Always portion out the right amount of food into a separate container prior to feeding your baby; discard left over foods, refrigerate opened food and never share your baby's spoon.
Recommended Introductory Foods
Puréed Fruits: Apple, Pear, Peach, Apricot, Papaya, Prunes, Banana, Avocado, Plum
Puréed Veggies: Carrot, Sweet Potato, Squash, Green Beans, Peas, Potato, Parsnip, Pumpkin
Foods to Avoid
Teething biscuits, carrot coins, hot dogs, and grapes can cause choking, so cut them into small pieces. Other choking foods to stay away from include nuts, seeds, popcorn, hard candy, gum, raw veggies, etc.
Until 12 months, stay away from honey (due to a risk of botulism in raw honey).
Babies do not need salt or sugar (including sugary drinks).
Allergies
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, six foods account for 90% of food allergies in children: cow's milk, egg whites, peanuts, wheat, soy and tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.). Other allergenic foods include: pork, fish and shellfish, oranges and other citrus fruits, berries, chocolate, tomatoes, corn, and food additives.
Common signs of allergies are: bloating, gassiness, rash, eczema, hives, runny nose, stuffiness, red itchy eyes, swollen eyelids, dark circles under the eyes, constant tearing, diarrhea, fussiness, vomiting or increased spitting-up, asthma, ear infections, and/or poor weight gain. If you suspect a food allergy, stop that particular food and discuss with your family care provider.
Why organic for my baby?
Your baby's first year is the most important for growth and development! Organic food is best for babies for many reasons.
Health: Your baby's brain, immune system, and hormone system are developing in his first few years. Many non-organic fruits and vegetables contain pesticides and toxins, which can affect how our little ones grow and develop.
Environment: Organic foods help the environment because farmers use natural methods like crop rotation and composting instead of chemicals.
Check out the list on the Environmental Working Group's website, http://www.foodnews.org/, which lists the fruits and veggies with the highest levels of pesticides. Some of the foods on the list are peaches, apples, pears, and berries.
General Guideline for Introducing Foods
| 6 months |
Single-grain cereal; single veggies and fruits pureed; then mixed veggies and fruits pureed (after all ingredients in the recipe have been introduced separately) |
| 7 months |
Pasta*, rice, other grains |
| 8 months |
Meat, poultry, fish, lentils, egg yolks* (ready to join in family meals) |
| 9 months |
Citrus fruits* , wheat* , corn, yogurt, cheese |
| 12 months |
Homogenized whole milk* , honey, egg whites * |
* These foods can cause allergies. Speak to your doctor if allergies are a problem in your family.
Food Exposure Chart
Using our Food Exposure Chart, track your baby's reactions and introduce one new food no more than every three to four days. During that time period, continue to feed food on a daily basis while looking out for signs of allergies.
Printable food exposure chart
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