Introducing Solids

You've been nursing or bottle feeding for months. And just when you feel like you're become a pro at your feeding system, it's time for a change. "Parents should not introduce solids into their baby's diet before four months. There is some debate over whether that is really four or six months," shares Rebecca Daumen, MD of White Oak Pediatric Associates in Raleigh. "The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends moms breastfeed exclusively for six months."

When is your baby ready?

Your doctor is the best guide for when to introduce solid foods. But in general, there are a few clues too look for that indicate baby's readiness.

• Sitting well (even if he still needs assistance) and the ability to hold his head up.
• Loss of the extrusion reflex, the natural reflex that's part of sucking. It also forces food out of his mouth and he can't begin solids until it disappears.
• An interest in you eating. You may notice your baby watching you eat or even reaching for your food.

How do I start?

"Most parents start with rice cereal or other stage one baby foods," says Daumen. After a feeding, mix about two teaspoons of dry cereal mixed with either formula or breast milk. Use a rubber tipped spoon to feed him and only give baby a small amount on the spoon. Begin this once a day. Once he gets used to the cereal, you'll be able to slowly increase the amount, increase its thickness and add another cereal feeding. As long as she's interested, keep feeding her. When she looses interest, it's time to stop. Continue to feed baby formula or breast milk per your doctor's recommendation, even though you're also feeding baby solids.

What's next?

After your baby is eating about a half cup of cereal in one day you can introduce other foods. Doctors suggest introducing only one food at a time to help in the detection of allergies. Dr. Daumen advises parents to wait three days between each new food introduction. You may want to mix a small amount of the new food with rice cereal and feed it as a combination, before offering the new food on its own. It may be smart to have some Benadryl on hand in case baby has any allergic reactions to a new food.

So what should you introduce? Strained or mashed fruits and vegetables are good choices. Sweet potatoes, carrots, bananas, applesauce and pears are good foods to start with. Look for orange or yellow fruits and vegetables, as they are easier to digest. As soon as baby is comfortable, you may want to introduce some green vegetables too, so he doesn't develop a preference for the sweeter yellow and orange veggies. "Some moms choose to make some of their own baby food by pureeing foods in a food processor, which is good, as long as it is made very soft," says Daumen. Meat should be added much later, usually not until nine months or so. Consult your pediatrician on the right timing for introducing meats.