Starting Solid Foods
When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods
Around four months of age, most babies are developmentally ready to eat solid foods from a spoon. We ask that you call the office during regular office hours if you think your child should start eating solids before four months. Usual signs that your child is developmentally ready for foods include sitting up with little to no support, good head control, and opens his or her mouth and leans forward when food is offered. Discuss when to start food during the four-month physical if your child has had food allergies with the formula or breast milk.
Start with cereals of rice, oatmeal and barley and mix one tablespoon of cereal with breast milk or formula. In the beginning, make the cereal thin and increase the consistency as your baby gets used to thicker food. Initially, you are going to give solid food once a day.
You will then increase the serving size gradually as your baby learns how to eat. Remember, it takes a while for our baby to learn to bring the food from the front of the mouth to the back to swallow. Look for any adverse reactions, such as vomiting, loose stools, cramps or skin rash. If you suspect a food reaction, stop the suspected food item and if symptoms persist, call our office.
Next, you will begin stage one with vegetables, then fruits and juice. Start only one new food item every 3-5 days. Remember to alternate between the yellow and green vegetables. If your child's skin gets a yellow-orange tint, you're probably feeding him or her too may yellow vegetables.
What Your Baby Can Handle
By five months of age an average baby can handle the following:
- 4 oz. of fruits and juice
- 4 oz. of vegetables
- 4 tbsp. of cereal
- 24-32 oz. of formula or breast milk.
*Note, you can substitute 2 oz. of fruit juice for half of a jar (2oz.) of fruits.
By six months of age you can double the amount of solid food and divide it into three servings a day
- Breakfast - 3 tbsp. of cereal, 4 oz. of fruits
- Lunch - 2 tbsp. of cereal, 4oz. of vegetables, 2 oz. of fruit juice
- Dinner - 3 tbsp. of cereal, 4 oz. of vegetables, 2 oz. of fruit juice
By nine months of age you can start white meats (chicken, turkey, veal and lamb) and beef. Start with one tablespoon a day, then increase to a maximum of two ounces per day. If your baby does not like jar meat, try an overcooked a piece of chicken and blend it with broth. If your baby is not accepting of meat, mix it with a favorite food. Reach out to our staff and pediatric doctors if you have any questions about your baby's diet. We proudly serve families in North Tonawanda, Grand Island, Youngstown, Ransomville, and beyond.
