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Between four to six months of age, infants usually are able to start solid foods while continuing formula or breastfeeding. Developmentally, the parents will notice that the infant at this stage is able to hold their heads still while sitting and will swallow food placed on their tongues. The first solid food recommended by experts should be single grain (rice) iron fortified cereal. To start, mixing one or two teaspoons of cereal with formula, apple juice, or breast milk is the best method. The cereal should appear thin but not to “watery.” Spoon the cereal onto the infant’s tongue while cooing and smiling at the baby encouraging them to eat. Just prior to feeding the first time give the child a small amount of formula or breast milk (but do not over feed) so the infant associates the taste of “real” food with pleasure. Why do they make faces? It is the first time taste buds are receiving information from a new source. Acids and natural chemicals in the food create strange new results and the baby is reacting to them. Often, they will make faces, cry and even push the food away from their face. Parents should remain patient and encouraging because this is a big step in the infant’s lives. |
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During the first four to six months of life your infant’s nutritional needs are met entirely through breast milk or iron-fortified formula. Parents often wonder when and how do I start having my baby graduate to solid foods? As always, it is best to consult with the family pediatrician before starting solid foods so that the introduction of them is successful for baby and parent alike. Because of physical reasons, newborns and younger infants (up to four to six months old) are not ready to consume solid foods. Infant bodies contain high amounts of iron and they receive nutrients from either breast milk or formula. Infants cannot swallow solid foods and their stomachs have not developed enough to digest solids. |
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