Introducing Your Baby to Solid Food
Between 4 to 6 months, your new little human may be
deeply gazing with a sense of awe and confusion at the breadstick you’re
holding. While adorable and Instagram worthy in its own right, your baby could be
giving you a nonverbal cue that a milestone moment is on its way.
If your infant is displaying these signs and is within
the 4 to 6 month age group, you may be ready to begin slowly introducing solid
foods:
-
Becoming more curious about parents’ food
-
Ability to control head movement and sit-up
-
Recreating biting down mouth motions
-
Double in weight since birth and is at least 4 months old
With the appropriate boxes checked off within in the
right timeframe, you can begin to gradually integrate solid food into your
infant’s nutritional plan. Follow the outline below as a roadmap of what to do
and when.
As with any parenting suggestion, consult your doctor
with questions about your child’s unique needs.
0 – 4 months
Breastfeeding:
On-demand basis
15-20 minutes per feeding
Formula:
Every 3-4 hours
16-28 fluid ounces per feeding
4 – 6 months
Breastfeeding:
6-8 feedings per day
Formula:
4-5 feedings per day
5-7 fluid ounces per feeding
Solids:
Rice containing iron
Barley cereal paired with breast milk or formula
Pureed fruit or vegetables (begin 3-5 days before
starting the another)
Pureed meats
6 – 9 months
Breastfeeding:
4-6 fluid feedings per day
Formula:
4-5 feedings per day
6-8 fluid ounces per feeding
Solid:
Begin introducing finger foods ideally with texture, such as cereal
Pureed or mashed fruits and vegetables
Yogurt, pureed or finely ground meats and chicken
9 – 12
Months
Breastfeeding:
On demand basis, about 4 times per day
Formula:
4 feedings
6-8 fluid ounces per feeding
Solids:
Small portions of cereal grains such as crackers (less than a quarter cup)
4
servings of fruits and vegetables per day (2-4 Tbsp)
1 serving of yogurt or finely chopped meat or poultry
(2-4 Tbsp)
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Little Lukes Preschool & Childcare Center is a leading Central New York
daycare provider with five locations. The early education program consists of credentialed
and caring staff that specializes in comprehensive infant, toddler and
pre-kindergarten development. Additional services include speech therapy,
physical therapy and occupational therapy for babies, toddlers and preschool
children.
For optimal
protection and safety for both students and staff, our facilities include
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center complying with nationwide regulations, Little Lukes creates a secure and
engaging environment for children to develop and reach their individual goals.