Q&A
Is Your Baby Ready to Start Solids?
Question:
Our baby is just over six months old. Is it time to introduce solid foods to her?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solid foods when your baby is between four and six months old. By this time, her digestive system is probably ready to handle complex foods.
But age isn't the only thing you should consider when it comes to starting solids. Remember each baby is different, so watch your baby for signs of readiness: Your baby needs to be able to hold her head up, sit with minimal support and she should have lost her tongue-thrust reflex, which makes her push food out of her mouth to keep herself from choking. If she seems curious about the food you're eating or reaches for your plate at mealtime, it's a sign she's ready to add new tastes and textures to her diet.
Even when you're switching to solids, you should continue feeding her breast milk or formula – about four to six feedings a day. Nurse first, to ensure she's getting all of her nutrients. Then offer very small amounts of solids.
For your baby's first food, introduce rice cereal because it's easily digestible and rarely allergic. Start out with one or two feedings, mixing enough breast milk or formula with one to two teaspoons of cereal to create a semisolid, and feed her small amounts using a small spoon.
If she refuses to open up after only one mouthful, shakes her head no, turns away or seems completely uninterested in trying cereal, don't force her to continue eating – just wait a week and try again. Then as she gets used to the semisolid consistency, you can thicken it and give her larger servings.
Once your baby's eating a variety of cereals, you can move on to pureed fruits and vegetables. Introduce only one new food each week, so you can observe your baby for signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, excessive gas, diarrhea, congestion or fussiness.
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