Switching to Solids

When should I start feeding my baby solid foods?
How do I feed my baby?
What should I feed my baby?
How will I know if my baby has food allergies?

Breast milk is the best and only food your baby needs for the first 4 to 6 months. If it is impossible for your baby to have breast milk, then your pediatrician will recommend an infant formula fortified with vitamins and/or iron.

When should I start feeding my baby solid foods?

When babies are 4 to 6 months old, they start to lose their tongue-thrust reflex (pushing their tongues against anything that is put into their mouths) and they are ready to start trying solid foods.

How do I feed my baby?

First, introduce solid foods when your baby is well rested and comfortable, such as after a nap. Your baby should be sitting up and well supported either in a highchair or in your lap.

Never force your baby to eat. If your baby starts crying or turns away, then it may be too soon for your baby to attempt solids and you should try again in a week or so. In the meantime, you should continue to feed your baby breast milk and/or formula.

What should I feed my baby?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends rice cereal as the first food to give your baby. You can mix some of the cereal with breast milk or formula and feed it to your baby with a little spoon designed especially for babies. Your baby will probably only eat half a teaspoon initially, but very quickly will start taking 2 to 3 tablespoons of food.

Most doctors suggest feeding your baby cereals in the following order:

• Rice

And from the 8th month of life:

• Oatmeal



• Barley



• Wheat and mixed grain cereal (introduce last to reduce risk of food allergies)

After your baby has mastered eating cereal, try these strained vegetables, starting first with more easy to digest yellow then moving to green:

• Carrots



• Corn



• Squash



• Sweet potatoes



• Green beans



• Peas



• Avocados

Next, your baby will probably enjoy some unsweetened, whole milk yogurt. Your baby will then be ready to try mashed or pureed fruits:

• Applesauce



• Bananas



• Peaches



• Pears

The last food group to introduce is meat, which can be harder for your baby to digest. This would include:

• Beef



• Chicken



• Turkey



• Lamb

How will I know if my baby has food allergies?

You should feed your baby a new food exclusively for three or four days before moving on to the next food, so if an allergic reaction occurs you will know what food is suspect. Additionally, add a new food group each month and avoid offering meats and certain cereals until the 8th month of life. Allergic reactions can include the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea



• Insomnia



• Irritability



• Rash on face, especially around the mouth



• Runny nose



• Severe diaper rash



• Vomiting



• Watery eyes



• Wheezing

External Sources The American Academy of Pediatrics. Woolf AD, Shane HC, Kenna MA, eds. The Children's Hospital Guide to Your Child's Health and Development. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Publishing; 2000.

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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