A baby’s nutrition is very important.  It plays a key role in his growth, development and health. You may be confused like many others as to when to start introducing solid foods to your baby. Here are some recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics  AAP.
 

 

When can my baby begin solid foods ?

You should note that each child develops at a different rate and therefore readiness may vary. However, this is a general guideline from the AAP.

• Good  head control : the baby must be able to sit in a high chair or feeding seat while holding his head up
• Open his mouth when food comes his way. Is your baby watching you while you eat, reaching for your food and looks eager to be fed ? Then he may be ready for solid foods
• No longer has extrusion reflex meaning he no longer raises  his  tongue and push against any object that is placed between their lips.) : If you give the baby rice cereal and he pushes it out of his tongue , he may not have the ability to move food  back his mouth and swallow it. It is normal because he has never had anything thicker than milk. Try diluting it a little or wait a couple of weeks more
• Big enough :  Baby’s are usually ready for solids when they double their birth which is usually around 4 months and weigh about 13 pounds

What should i feed my baby ?

 
There is no single right way to introduce solids. However here are a few points you should note

• use single ingredient foods such as plain rice cereal as baby’s first food. Do not use foods with additives such as sugar and salt
• introduce one new food at a time. Wait about 4 to 5 days before introducing another. This will allow you to see if baby has allergies to any of these foods
• listen to your baby. Do not force him to eat when he is full or restrict his diet when he is hungry

 
NOTE : The AAP recommends breastfeeeding exclusively for at least 6 months. When you add solids to your baby’s diet, continue to breastfeed until about 12 months. You can continue to breastfeed after 1 year if you and your baby desire.

feeding at 4 to 6 months of age

• use iron fortified cereal as  the baby’s first food because it is easily digested
• mix cereal to the consistency of milk ( a slightly thickened liquid ) and spoon feed
• after you try a variety of cereals, you can introduced pureed fruits and vegetables such as mashed banana, squash and applesauce
• lastly add pureed meat and protein
• Babies SHOULD NOT be given juice before the age of 6 months. After 6 months, give the baby only 100% fruit juice and limit to 4 ounces a day

 
feeding at 8 to 10 months of age
 
At this age, babies may have developed skills such as sitting without support and  grasping and releasing objects. Babies can start having finger foods when they can pick up teething biscuits or dry cereal, put  it in their mouths and not choke.  You can give babies foods such as soft cooked vegetables and fruits, well cooked meat and cheese but they should be chopped. Easily dissolved foods such as baby crackers and dry cereal can also be given.

feeding at 10 to 12 months
 
At this time, babies may have developed skills that can enable them feed themselves. You have to make sure you cut food into smaller pieces. You also have to add variety to the baby’s food. It should include new flavors and textures from all the different food groups.

NOTE 
 
Avoid giving babies honey during the first year of life because it can cause infant botulism which can be serious. Foods such as nuts, grapes, raw carrots, raisins, popcorn, and hot dogs should also be avoided because they put your baby at risk of choking.
 
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