Introducing solid foods is a matter of timing

Timing is the key, both for parents and infants, when introducing solid foods.

The ideal time to introduce solid foods to infants is about 6 months of age.  At this time, most babies can hold their heads straight up when sitting, can make chewing motions, and have the neck control to show interest in eating or when full.  Early introduction of solids could lead to overfeeding and/or allergic reactions.

To help get baby and parents off to a good start, CNRC nutritionists offer these suggestions:

• When first starting a baby on solids, pick a time when there are few distractions and both you and the baby are relaxed.  Initially, it is best to hold the child in your lap.  This will help the infant feel more secure and more willing to accept the food.Introduce single-grain cereal first.  The cereal can be mixed with breast milk or formula so that it is not much thicker than milk.  Start with one or two teaspoons at a time.
  
• Always use a spoon for feeding solids, even when offering thinned cereal. Feeding solids from a bottle can cause an infant to receive too much food at once, which can cause choking.
  
• Don't be discouraged if the baby makes a face and spits the unfamiliar food out.  Try again in a relaxed manner until the baby is more used to spoon feeding.  The amount of cereal can be thickened and gradually increased over the next few weeks so that the child is eating about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of cereal a day.  
  
• Follow cereal with strained vegetables, fruits, and meats.  Peas, carrots, squash, applesauce, bananas, and pears are good first fruits and vegetables. They add important nutrients to an infant's diet and babies enjoy the taste and accept them more readily than others.   
  
• Introduce each food one at a time, not as a blend, every three to four days. This will help determine if there are possible food reactions.     
  
• Take food out of the baby food jar and put it in a small, shallow container before heating.  This helps keep the food remaining in the jar free from bacterial contamination.   
  
• Exercise care if using a microwave to heat baby food.  Microwaves can create heats pockets that can make the meal too hot for the child. Stir foods well after heating and test the temperature by putting a small amount on your bottom lip.  It should feel just warm--not hot.  
  
• Don't give up on food the child initially pushed away.  It is a new learning experience for both the parent and child, so give it time.

Weaning