Introducing Your Baby to Solid Food

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 keypad security doors and classroom-installed cameras. As a registered daycare center complying with nationwide regulations, Little Lukes creates a secure and engaging environment for children to develop and reach their individual goals.