Although breast milk or formula will continue to be the most important part of your baby’s diet for at least the next few months, at six months is the time to start introducing solids. Start out slowly. Adults appreciate variety at meals, but a baby needs to ease into eating.
Try these tips:
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Start with cereal
Fortified warm baby cereal is a good source of iron and B vitamins, as well as the calories your baby needs. Eating small amounts of simple cereals (rice or barley mixed with breast milk or formula) from a spoon twice a day helps your baby learn how to eat solid food.
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Move on to vegetables, then fruits
Babies are more inclined to acquire a taste for vegetables if you hold off on sweet foods. Begin by offering pureed vegetables such as butternut or carrots at midday. Eventually, add strained or mashed fruit (bananas, plain unsweetened applesauce) in the morning.
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Check for allergies
Wait five to seven days before introducing new menu items so that you can be sure your baby isn’t sensitive to the previous food.
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At mealtimes, hold your baby upright in your lap or in an infant seat
Use a small spoon. If she sticks her tongue out, give her a few more tries and then back off for a week or two. As she matures, the tongue thrusting will stop.
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Avoid feeding cereal in a bottle
Your baby needs to learn how to use her mouth to eat solids.
Have patience when feeding and rest assured that your baby will eventually learn to eat. Don’t we all!
