Starting Solid Feedings

-->

     There are many “rules” about how to start your infant on solids, but few of them have any real scientific basis. Until 4-6 months of age, infants grow well on breast milk or formula. Most physicians recommend waiting until 6 months to introduce solid foods on the basis that it decreases the risk of allergies, but recent studies have shown that this isn't true. At 4-6 months, your baby will begin to chew on anything that comes near his mouth and will be ready for solids. Although it is universally done, there is no need to begin with infant cereal. By six months, your baby’s intestine is normally developed and can digest almost any food.  Rather than giving your infant the extra sugar and salt that can come with processed baby foods, consider making your own baby food. Use whatever you are having for dinner. It is never too soon to have your child eating what you are eating and, from the beginning, it is good to avoid making special meals for your child. Another common recommendation is to start one food at a time to know if the baby will "react" to a given food but this, too, has little basis in fact. Start by blending foods to a smooth consistency and, as the baby gets used to solids, give the food more consistency. Don’t worry about giving “vegetables before fruits”, because your child has lots of sweet taste buds, and, like most of us, will prefer the taste sensation of “sweet” his whole life long. Give him vegetables when you are eating vegetables. You teach your child healthy feeding habits by giving him fresh fruits and vegetables and not feeding him juices, “fruit snacks” and other processed foods. If your child closes his mouth and shakes his head, it may be time to put the food on the tray and allow him to start feeding himself. When more food hits the floor than hits the mouth, the meal is over. Mealtime should always be a happy, family time and should never be a fight or struggle. Don't worry about how much or how little your child eats at any given meal.