Between 5 and
6 months of age, you'll probably start noticing
signs that your baby is ready to expand his diet. By now,
he'll be able to hold his head up by himself, and will probably
have lost the tongue-thrust extrusion reflex. He'll also start
showing an interest in food, eyeing everyone else's meals and
possibly reaching for your plate.
Of course, this doesn't mean it's time for your baby to sit
down with a knife and fork. A baby's first solid foods aren't
solid at all; in fact, any first food should be semi-liquid. The
most recommended food to start with is an iron-fortified rice
cereal, which is easily digested and the least likely to trigger
an allergic reaction.
To start, mix a teaspoon of cereal with 4 to 5 teaspoons of
breast milk, formula, or warm water. You can use a baby-feeding
spoon, but some experts recommend using your finger. Simply dip
your fingertip into the cereal mixture and offer it to your
baby. Don't expect him to eat very much at a time — tiny tummies
need tiny portions, and most of his nutrition will come from
breast milk or formula for months to come.
Other foods you can start at 6 months of age include mashed
bananas, pureed or strained pears, and applesauce.
What to feed your
baby
