Starting Baby On Solids

Somewhere between her fourth and sixth month, your baby will be ready to drop the liquid-only diet. Here, the basics of starting her on solids. Before you introduce solid foods to your little one, be sure she's ready for the challenge! Your baby should be able to hold her head upright and steady, and to sit well when supported. She should also have grown significantly, ideally doubling her birth weight. Finally, watch for your baby's solid-ready signals, like eyeing your own food with curiosity, or even reaching for it eagerly. If you've assessed the signs and think your infant is ready to give solids a go, start slowly! Many pediatricians recommend beginning with a rice cereal, which is less allergenic than other foods. To feed your baby, mix the cereal with a bit of breast milk or formula to make a semi-liquid. Offer the mix to your baby with a rubber tipped infant spoon, which is gentler on her gums than a metal one. Your infant may take some time to get used to the eating experience, and she may not actually CONSUME much in the beginning, but that's normal. Take your time, and wait to introduce more solids until your infant is comfortable eating a few tablespoons of cereal a day. At this point, begin adding new foods to her diet ONE AT A TIME, waiting at least three days after each new food. This step is vital, because you'll want to watch your baby for a rash, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or irritability-all signs of a possible allergic reaction. After several weeks of eating just rice cereal, your baby will likely welcome the next step-strained or mashed fruits or vegetables. Try applesauce, peaches, carrots, spinach, pears, bananas, sweet potatoes, or squash. In the coming months, you can also introduce finger foods, like well cooked pasta, lightly toasted bread, pieces of ripe banana and more. Eventually, you'll round out your baby's diet with protein, like tiny pieces of tofu or chicken. As you feed your little one, keep in mind that she may like things you don't, and offer her all kinds of foods. At the same time, respect her preferences, and don't try to force foods on her that she doesn't like. Give it time and she may come around. Remember also that most young infants only need solids once a day, while eight month olds will likely eat three times daily. Let your baby guide the process, and listen to her when she tells you she's full. She'll make it clear by pushing the spoon away, closing her mouth, or turning her head from the food you're offering. Above all, be sure to have a camera or camcorder ready to record the faces and fun of those early feedings!