The decisions that you make about what to feed your baby are important decisions. As she reaches each new stage of development, it is up to you to determine when she is ready for another type of food.

The first decision you make is, obviously, whether or not to breastfeed. This issue has been covered thoroughly elsewhere, and doesn’t need to be added here. Suffice it to say that, whether you are able to breastfeed or not, you should make sure that your baby is getting the best nutrition available as a newborn.

During those first three months, formula or breast milk will be all that your baby needs. By around 4 months old, you can begin to introduce solid foods to your baby. Some health care providers recommend waiting until the age of 6 months, so it is best to check with your health care provider. Some signs that your baby is ready for solids include:

- Baby is able to support her own head

- Baby is interested in food; she watches you eat, stares at your food

- Baby’s tongue-thrusting reflex is gone or has greatly subsided.

Once you’ve got the OK for solids, its time to introduce cereal. You might use a bit of iron-fortified infant rice cereal, and mix it with either formula or with breast milk. Don’t add cereal to the bottle unless your health care provider suggests that you do so. After he’s got the hang of cereal, you can begin to introduce a pureed fruit or vegetable. Always introduce a little at a time, so that you can help identify potential food allergies.

At the age of around 7 months to 1 year, it is time to explore table foods. you might introduce meats or foods with coarser textures that might require more chewing. You can use pre-packaged foods, or you can mash up food that you serve to the whole family. Make sure that the pieces are not too big, so as to reduce the risk of choking.

Cow’s milk, eggs, honey, and citrus fruits or juices should wait until after your baby’s first birthday. Sometime around your first birthday, she should be able to give up formula. Many women choose to stop breastfeeding at this age as well.

At around 15 to 18 months, your child will begin learning how to pick up foods and get them into their mouths, even eventually using utensils. During this time, you might transition to a cup. Again, it is important to avoid foods that present a choking hazard, and it is important to introduce foods one at a time to rule out allergies.

Posted in Baby and Toddler

Related Articles:

When Should I Introduce Solids To My Baby?

When Should My Baby Start Solids & How Often Should I Give Them?

Can My Infant Eat Everything We Eat - What Should We Avoid?

Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Choosing The Right Foods

Is My Breast Milk Causing My Infant To Suffer With Colic?

How Much Does My Baby Weigh During The Second Trimester?

Losing Weight During The Second Trimester

How can I deal with morning sickness safely?

Healthy Eating And Your Toddler

When Is The Right Time To Let Our Toddler Self-Feed?

Are There Certain Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy?

Pros & Cons of Making Homemade Baby Food