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Starting Solid Foods

When?

Before your baby begins eating solid food, he or she must show signs of developmental readiness. Your baby must be able to sit up unsupported and have good control of his or her head and neck. Your baby also should show an interest in eating by opening his or her mouth when a spoon is introduced and being able to keep some food in the mouth. Most babies are ready to start solids, like iron-fortified infant cereal, when they're 6 months old. Pureed fruits and vegetables may be offered at 6 to 8 months of age and pureed meats at 8 months. Keep in mind that formula or breastfeeding should remain the main source of nutrition for the first year.

How?

Give your baby one new food at a time and wait three to five days before introducing the next new food. Begin with single-ingredient foods, such as iron fortified infant rice, barley or oatmeal cereals, pureed or mashed fruits and vegetables, fortified apple or pear juice. Watch for possible signs of a food allergy or intolerance like skin rashes, wheezing, diarrhea or vomiting. The foods that most often cause an allergic reaction are cow's milk, citrus fruits and citrus juices, nuts, egg whites, and wheat products. If you have a strong family history of food allergy, you may want to delay the introduction of all solid in the infant until 6 months of age. Introduce major food allergens well after the first year of age. For foods likely to cause "life long" sensitization (peanuts, treenuts, fish, shellfish), wait even longer.

Foods with different consistency and texture should be offered as your baby gets older. Offer small portions of a wide variety of food with different tastes, smells and textures. If your child dislikes the new food, try giving it again later.

What Foods?

Introduce a variety of flavors and foods within the first two years to encourage a more varied diet later in life. When your baby is ready for solids, you can prepare your own baby food. Boil and puree apples without the skin, frozen peas or green beans. Mash a banana using a fork. Bake fresh sweet potatoes, yams or potatoes and mash them. Always remove the skin before mashing. Put extras in ice cube trays and freeze them in zip lock bags, store in the freezer and heat as needed at meals.

Note: Do not use honey as a sweetener. It can cause infant botulism, a type of food poisoning that can lead to death.

For more information or to request an appointment with a registered dietitian, please contact the UCSF Nutrition Counseling Center at (415) 353-2291.

• Baby Bottle Weaning
• Feeding Your Baby: Breast and Bottle-Feeding
• Encouraging Your Child to Eat Fruits and Vegetables

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.