David E. Henderson, MD
4141 North Hampton Drive
Powell, Ohio 43065
(614) 764-9955
Q: What foods should my baby start on – and when?
A: The act of eating solid foods successfully requires both the cognitive capacity of understanding what food is, as well as the motor skills needed to get food from the spoon and then to swallow. Most infants are developmentally capable of doing both at four to six months of age. One of the ways to assess whether an infant has achieved these milestones is to assess whether or not they are watching, with some interest, as their parents eat. Infants possess an excellent sense of smell, and occasionally parents may report that their child becomes excited when food is being prepared in the family kitchen.
Foods that are made up of simple carbohydrates should be introduced first. Cereals and fruits are the best choices. Rice, barley and oatmeal are typically tolerated better than wheat or mixed cereals. Fruits, such as apples, apricots, bananas, peaches, plums and pears are better selections than citrus fruits or berries. Since cereals can sometimes be a bit constipating for babies, fruits can be mixed with the cereal. The mixture also makes it more palatable.
More complex carbohydrates such as vegetables and pasta should be introduced later. Crackers and other finger foods are introduced when infants possess the ability to hold objects with their thumb and index finger, usually around eight months of age. Infants should be monitored for choking when they are first learning to feed themselves.
Foods should be introduced slowly, one or two new foods every day to assure that the infant does not have any food intolerances or allergies. In families where food allergies are prevalent, one new food every three or four days may be advisable, and parents should keep a log of foods given. Allergenic foods such as eggs and peanut products should be avoided until one year of age. In allergenic infants, that time frame may be pushed back even farther. Meat products are not necessary until after one year of age because breast milk and formula provide adequate amounts of protein and iron.
Some simple guidelines:
- Keep it simple and start slowly.
- Make the process enjoyable - eating should be fun!
- Avoid foods that are not needed or may be harmful.
- Make feeding part of the family meal or family time.