Around 6 months of age, most infants are ready to try solid foods (maybe a little later for premature babies). There is no need to rush - each baby is ready in his or her own time! Early introduction of solids are not recommended before a baby's digestive system is fully developed, and feeding solids too early can lead to anemia, increased risk of infection, increased risk of food allergies, and choking. In fact, in a recent statement by the World Health Organization and UNICEF exclusive breastfeeding up until 6 months of age is highly recommended. Contrary to some beliefs, giving solids earlier will NOT help your baby sleep better.
When is your baby ready to try solids? He or she is able to:
- Hold his/her head up without help
- Sit up, alone or with support
- Open his/her mouth when food is presented
- Turn his/her head away if he/she doesn't want to eat
- Close his/her lips over the spoon of food and keep the food in his/her mouth, rather than spitting it back out
(Adapted from "Starting Your Baby On Solid Foods" by Ellyn Satter Associations, 1995)
What NOT to feed your baby:
- Honey should not be given at all to a baby less than one-year-old, due to the risk of botulism
- Prevent choking by mashing all foods given; do not give chunks of raw vegetables and fruits, until baby has developed good chewing skills (usually not until age 3). The most common foods kids choke on are small rounded foods like whole grapes, pieces of wiener, nuts, popcorn, and candies. Cut grapes in half and cut weiners length-wise rather than in discs.
- Recommendations vary, but many experts say that families with a history of food allergies, should avoid serving nuts, peanut butter, seeds, and shellfish until your child reaches age 2 or 3 years.
What solids to feed baby first?
There is no need to rush solid foods. Until 6 months, breast milk or formula with iron is all your baby needs. Breast milk is the best choice for your baby. Continue breastfeeding as long as possible. The following are only guidelines - each baby will be different in timing and in food preferences!
At Age 6 months
At around six months of life baby needs more iron. Therefore, it is important to include iron rich foods such as : iron fortified infant cereals, meats such as beef, chicken or turkey, egg yolk, tofu and cooked legumes all make good choices. Ensure food is served at an appropriate texture. Start baby on pureed foods, but move quickly to lumpy and mashed foods. This progression in texture is important for baby to learn to chew food, and research shows those who have more texture early on eat more foods by age 7.
An iron-fortified baby cereal made from rice is often the first solid food infants receive. The cereal may be mixed with breast milk or with formula. Try each single-grain cereal first (rice, barley, oatmeal) before adding mixed-grain cereals to rule out any food allergies.
To learn more about making your own baby food print off this great handout called Making Your Own Baby Food
Age 6 - 9 months
Start to increase variety with cooked vegetables and fruits that have been mashed or pureed. Cooked, pureed meats or beans, eggs (yolk only), and soft cottage cheese or yogurt can then be added to your baby's diet. There is no need to add sugar or salt to baby's food. Once your baby develops teeth, you can give unsalted crackers or pieces of dry toast to chew on. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding until your baby is at least 9-12 months. Breastfeeding can be continued past 2 years of age.
Age 9 - 12 months
Include more stronger-tasting vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and Brussels sprouts. Soft pieces of cooked vegetables and well-cooked meats from the family table can now be given. As well, baby is more likely to be able to chew on pieces of cheese, and raw pieces of soft fruit. Around 9 - 12 months, once baby is eating a good variety of cereals, vegetables, fruits and meats or alternates every day, your baby is ready for whole cow's milk.
After one year
Whole cooked eggs can now be included in your baby's diet. Baby can handle most soft table foods by this age.
For more information and a copy of Feeding Your Baby from Six Months to a Year call the Family Health Program at (807) 625-5972.