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When to Introduce Foods to a Baby

It can be a confusing time, debating whether or not you should start to give your baby solid foods. Some people treat it as a milestone, but this milestone can fill a parent with worry as well. The most important thing to realize is that there is no rush. Babies develop at different speeds, and they have plenty of time to develop naturally on their own.

  1. Recommendations and Guidelines

    • According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), your baby should ideally be breastfed or using a milk-based formula until he is about 6 months old. Pediatricians from the AAP recommend starting your baby on solid foods anywhere between the ages of 4 months and 6 months. They key is knowing whether your child is ready.

    Is Your Child Ready?

    • There are no definitive points when your baby will be ready for solid foods; you just need to look out for signs. The baby may be ready anytime after 4 months, or you may have a feeling that your child may be wanting more than breast milk or formula. Notice if your baby is appearing hungrier. Does she want to feed more than usual, such as in the middle of the night or several additional times per day? Is she more interested in the foods you eat? These are just a few signs your child is ready to start eating solid foods. Also look out for a growth spurt, doubling of birth weight and wanting to sit at the table and eat with you.

    How to Introduce Solid Foods

    • If you think your baby is ready to start eating solid foods, try something that is not soft and has no pieces. Most parents start with baby cereal or pureed baby foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Use a soft plastic spoon so as not to hurt your baby's gums. If this is not working or your child is struggling to keep the food down, go back to milk or formula. He may just need a little bit longer to adjust. Alternatively, try mixing foods with breast milk or formula to soften them.

    Which Foods

    • Soft foods such as fruit and vegetables are a great way to start your baby on solid foods. In terms of fruit, try banana, peach, raspberries and blackberries. In terms of vegetables, try sweet potato, avocado, soft-boiled carrots and new potatoes. Eggs are also a great food to start your baby with, as are soft fishes -- making sure all the bones are out. They key is to find things that are not going to hurt the baby if she is not able to chew properly yet.

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