Q "When is it safe to introduce solid foods to infants?"
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A Always consult your pediatrician first.
Solid foods should be introduced gradually around four - six
months, breast milk or formula alone does not provide enough
nutrients for the developing body.
The best way to decide when to start solids is the babies
behavior, but not before three months! Can your baby hold
his/her head in a steady upright position? Does the baby
seem hungry between feedings or wake up more often during
the night... the baby needs to develop co-ordination to push
the food from the front to the back of mouth for swallowing.
Introduce one food at a time so you can monitor any allergies
or digesting problems. Single grain cereal mixed with formula
should be a start for your baby. Mix the cereal with breast
milk or formula, slowly changing the consistency from mushy
to a little a little thicker. Breast milk or formula must be the
primary source of nourishment for the baby until they are at
least one year old... Do not give cow’s milk, eggs, citrus
fruits, peanut butter or fish; these can trigger an allergic
reaction if they are given too soon.
Make sure everything you introduce is cut into small pieces to
avoid choking, however, it is normal for a child to gag on food
as he/she gets used to the texture, just be vigilant! Start
good eating habits as early as possible, the more variety you
introduce the better!