Medical Info: Infant Feeding

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the introduction of solid foods between the ages of four and six months, depending on the individual baby. When starting solids, new foods should be introduced slowly to look for adverse reactions. A new food may be given every three days. Combinations of all foods previously given without adverse reactions are allowed. Single ingredient foods are best. Babies do not need desserts or other foods with added sugar.

Cereals
Begin with rice, 1-2 tablespoons mixed as directed on the package. Feed with a spoon, do not put in the bottle. Start with once a day and gradually increase to A.M. and P.M. feedings. Oatmeal and barley may be added, but avoid wheat until after one year.

Fruits
Fruits may be started following the introduction of cereal. Begin with applesauce, bananas, pears, etc., adding a new variety every 3 days. Fruits may be mixed into the cereal. Avoid citrus and fresh berries until after one year

Vegetables
Following fruits, vegetables are usually introduced at the noon time meal and may be given at dinner also. Yellow vegetables are generally recommended before green. Start with approximately 2 tablespoons and gradually increase. In general, babies will stop eating when they are full.

Meats
Meats may be added at approximately 8 months of age. Chicken or turkey should be introduced first. Beef or ham may be offered occasionally if desired. Many babies do not initially like the taste of meat. It may be mixed with their food and is generally tolerated well. At this time egg yolk may also be introduced, but egg white is very allergenic and should be avoided until after one year.

Juices
Juices are of limited nutritional value, but may be used in small amounts to quench thirst. Dilute all juices with half water. Begin with apple juice, followed by grape and cranberry (these are not necessary and stain excessively). Avoid citrus (orange, grapefruit, etc.) until after one year.

Milk
Breast milk or formula should be continued until one year of age. Solids should be given first and followed by formula or breast milk. The amount of milk consumed will generally decrease with the introduction of solids. At 5-6 months of age babies will consume 28-32 ounces of milk and at 7-12 months of age may be down to 16-24 ounces.

Junior (or Chunky) foods
At nine months of age soft table or junior foods may be introduced, gradually increasing the texture. With the addition of new textures observe your baby closely for choking. Avoid preparing table foods with excessive salt and other additives.

Finger Foods
Be sure to use only soft foods, cut in small pieces, to avoid choking. Choking is the most dangerous concern of feeding at this age. Please avoid airway-size foods such as raisins, nuts, popcorn, hot dogs, hard candies, cheerios, etc..

COMMON CONCERNS

Amount
A baby's nutritional needs vary from day to day and his appetite may wax and wane. As long as your baby is growing adequately there is no need for over concern about the amount taken or strict guidelines for introductions.

Bowel Movements
With the addition of new substances and textures the stools will change in color, amount and frequency.