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Starting Baby on Solid FoodGeneral Guidelines for Feeding Your Baby
Although baby's needs will vary, pediatricians follow general guidelines for when to start baby on solid food, what solids to start with, and how to introduce new foods.
When to start baby on solid food , what foods to start with and how to introduce new foods are common questions parents ask and there is a wide range of opinions on the topic. When to Start Baby on Solid FoodsAccording to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) , babies are typically ready to start solid food somewhere between four and six months of age. (Starting Solid Foods Copyright © 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics) Some common signs of readiness include the ability to sit with support, the outgrowing of the tongue-thrust reflex, and showing signs of hunger after 8-10 feedings of formula or breast milk a day that is unrelated to illness, a growth spurt or teething issues. What Food to Start With?Once your baby’s pediatrician has decided that your baby is ready to start solid foods, the first typical food that parents start with is rice cereal. This can be mixed with breast milk, formula or water to the desired consistency. Starting with thin, soupy consistency may be easiest for baby to accept, other babies may prefer a thicker mixture. Keep in mind that your baby will need to get used to eating from a spoon and eating food with a different consistency that she is used to. Start slow, and expect a mess! Make sure that your first feeding is at a time when your baby is not starving, and not tired. This will ensure a more successful first meal. At this point your baby is still receiving most of her nutrition from breast milk or formula so it is important for your baby to accept that milk or formula. Order to Introduce FoodsOnce your baby has accepted rice cereal and her pediatrician has given the go-ahead, you can introduce either fruits or vegetables. Although many people will say to introduce the sweet fruits second to encourage the acceptance of the vegetables, according to the AAP, babies have a natural preference for sweets and so it does not matter the order in which things are introduced. Once again, follow your pediatrician’s advice, but typically you should wait 3-5 days between each new food before introducing another to insure that there is no reaction. If your baby were to react to the food, if you have introduced them one at a time, you will be able to know exactly what food she reacted to. A good rule of thumb is to introduce one new food a week. When starting solids, remember that each baby is different in their nutritional needs. Although there are norms to what foods to start with and how to introduce new foods, remember to discuss any changes in your feeding routine with your baby’s pediatrician first.
The copyright of the article Starting Baby on Solid Food in Infants & Toddlers is owned by Jennifer Wagaman. Permission to republish Starting Baby on Solid Food in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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