Guide for a Baby's Initial Dietary Regimen
Starting your baby on solid foods is an exciting milestone, but it's important to approach this transition with care and caution. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this journey.
Firstly, begin with a gradual introduction, offering one small solid meal per day while breast milk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition. Gradually increase the amount and frequency of solid meals over time [1][3].
When introducing new foods, take it slow. Introduce one food at a time, waiting several days to a week between each introduction to monitor for any signs of allergic reactions or intolerances. Start with simple purees or soft foods without additives like salt, sugar, or spices [1].
Ensuring safe feeding conditions is crucial. Seat the baby upright in a highchair to reduce the choking risk, never leave them unattended during meals, and watch for cues of hunger and fullness. Babies will open their mouth to show readiness and turn away when full [1].
As your baby grows developmentally capable, around 6 months, encourage sensory exploration and self-feeding. Foods should be cooked until soft enough to mash between fingers and cut into manageable shapes for baby-led weaning, such as pieces about the size of an adult's pinky [3][2].
Appropriate first foods include single-ingredient purees or soft-cooked vegetables, fruits, and iron-rich options like pureed meats or iron-fortified cereals. Avoid processed, salty or sugary foods, as well as potential choking hazards [1][3][5].
Timing considerations are also essential. Although feeding solids can start between 4-6 months, many guidelines recommend waiting closer to 6 months. By then, the baby’s digestive and immune systems are more developed, reducing allergy risk and supporting better digestion [5].
Be mindful of certain foods that can pose a choking hazard, such as hot dogs, candy, nuts, grapes, uncut meats, raw carrots, apples, and popcorn. Cow's milk should not be substituted for infant formula or breast milk as it does not supply enough iron and has too much protein for babies less than 1 year old [4].
Sweets should be avoided as they promote obesity by adding energy to foods with few nutrients to support growth. Egg whites, peanut butter, cow's milk, citrus fruits, shellfish, and other commonly allergic foods should be avoided in the first year, depending on the level of caution desired regarding allergies [2][4].
It's worth noting that sugar alcohols, found in many reduced-calorie sweet foods, may cause diarrhea. Honey and corn syrup can cause botulism, which can be fatal for infants [6].
For more comprehensive information, refer to the guide on infant nutrition and feeding provided by the USDA's National Agricultural Library, available at wicworks.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/infant-feeding-guide.pdf.
This fact sheet is a revision of the original, written by Lisa Pescara, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences. For more in-depth information, consider reading "Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense" by Ellyn Satter [7].
[1] NHS. (2021). Starting your baby on solid foods. Retrieved from www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/starting-solid-foods/
[2] AAP. (2021). Introduction to Solid Foods. Retrieved from healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Introduction-to-Solid-Foods.aspx
[3] BabyCenter. (2021). When can I start giving my baby solid foods? Retrieved from www.babycenter.co.uk/x1525424/when-can-i-start-giving-my-baby-solid-foods
[4] FDA. (2021). Infant Formula. Retrieved from www.fda.gov/food/baby-food-infant-formula-childrens-food/infant-formula
[5] AAP. (2021). Timing of Introduction of Solid Foods. Retrieved from healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Timing-of-Introduction-of-Solid-Foods.aspx
[6] FDA. (2021). Xylitol. Retrieved from www.fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaging-labeling/food-additives/ucm111147.htm
[7] Satter, E. (2021). Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense. Retrieved from www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/books/child-of-mine
- To ensure a healthy and allergy-free start, follow science-based methods for introducing solid foods to your growing baby, such as the recipes and schedules outlined in family-health resources like the USDA's National Agricultural Library guide.
- Promote health-and-wellness in your family by equating lifestyle choices at home, such as food preparation and parenting practices, with nutrition-focused decisions that prioritize quality ingredients free from additives, salt, sugar, and spices.
- Support the health-and-wellness of your family by initially offering simple, homemade, and allergy-friendly foods, like purees of vegetables, fruits, and iron-rich foods, while avoiding processed, salty, or sugary options commonly associated with obesity.
