Introducing Solid Foods to Your 4 Month - 6 Month Old Baby

Source : http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/solidfood4to6montholdbaby.htm

We know that this can be a very frightening and daunting stage for many parents. We have compiled solid food charts to help you have an idea of what foods are safe, healthy and nutritious for your baby as you both begin the journey into solid foods. Remember, many pediatricians are recommending that babies start solids at 6 months of age.

The chart below will accommodate those who start solids between 4-6 months of age.

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AGE/STAGE: Babies 4-6 Months The AAP recommends that an infant not be started on solid foods until after 6 months of age. Many pediatricians still start babies on solids around 4 months of age. This chart accommodates all ages and stages up to 12 months. CEREALS Rice and Oatmeal cereals are the least of the allergenic grains and thus most babies are started out with those cereals. You don't HAVE to start with cereal - try avocado instead or banana. FRUITS May be served raw after 8 months old – bananas and avocados do NOT need to be cooked ever VEGGIES Always serve cooked until after 12 months old or when baby can chew well enough so that no choking hazard is present. PROTEIN Always serve cooked with no pink areas – NEVER give a small baby/child raw meat or fish DAIRY NEVER replace breast milk or formula until after 12 months of age – serious health risks are possible. Never give a child under the age of 2yrs old low fat or skim milk products; whole milk is necessary.

We have also compiled a Sample Schedule for Introducing Baby's First Foods that you may find useful. This table gives you an idea of how and when to begin introducing baby to solid foods. Please keep in mind that this table was created from various medical authorities such as private pediatricians, the AAP, the AAFP and the WHO as well as our own experience. Always consult your baby's pediatrician about solid foods.

You should always consult your baby’s pediatrician before introducing new foods to your baby. Avoid any suggested foods that may pose an allergy risk for your baby.

The above chart is a general guideline with solid baby foods that are age appropriate. Our charts/guidelines are somewhat conservative in nature compared to guidelines from other sources. We show age-ranges for different foods and we have researched and compiled these charts from various medical authorities such as private pediatricians, the AAP, the AAFP and the WHO. Feel free to print the chart and ask your Pediatrician about the listings and recommendations. Our visitors say their pediatricians are impressed with our Chart's suitability and accuracy of listings.

Because your baby's main source of nutrition is from breast milk and/or formula, it is important that you nurse or bottle feed first and then offer your little one solids at this early stage of introducing solids.

When thinking about starting baby on solid foods and introducing solids to baby, a good rule of thumb is to "Watch the Baby - Not the Calendar". This is true when introducing solid foods (complementary foods) for both breastfed and formula fed infants. Just because baby has turned 4 months old does not mean she must be introduced to solid foods.

Start out slowly, preparing a tablespoon sized portion of whatever food you have chosen to begin with. Some parents begin offering their babies solid foods by using their (clean and washed) finger as a spoon. They say that this helps their babies take to solid foods because the "new" spoon and the "new" food all at once seem to confuse baby.

How much will your 4 month - 6 month old baby eat at his first meal?

You will probably only manage to have baby eat 1/2 of the tablespoon sized portion the very first times you begin solids. Don't fret if your baby does not "finish" a meal; remember this is a new experience for your baby. As your baby becomes accustomed to eating solids, you will gradually increase the portion sizes. Also, keep in mind that breast milk and/or infant formula are providing for the total nutrition of your baby at this stage.

Read our How Much Food Should My Baby Eat page for more information.

Many parents find their babies will push the food out of their mouths on the first few tries. This is normal however it may also indicate that your baby is not yet ready for solid foods. Only you know your baby and will be able to decide if baby is truly ready for solids.

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