01:20
Faizan
At 4 months old, most babies can meet all of their nutrition needs from breast milk or formula, says the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Formerly, infant rice cereal was commonly introduced at around 4 months, but the AAP now recommends waiting until age 6 months. Each infant's nutrition needs and developmental readiness for solids is different, so check with your pediatrician about when to begin your child on solid foods.
Start Solids at 6 Months
After breast milk or formula, iron-fortified rice cereal is often considered the next step for babies. Age is not the only factor used in determining a baby’s readiness for solids -- certain developmental milestones must be reached first. Your baby's tongue thrust reflex should be gone so he doesn't push the solid food back out. In addition, he must have good head and neck control while sitting up and show an interest in eating solids. MedlinePlus recommends that babies double their birth weights before receiving solid foods in addition to breast milk or formula. It is tempting to introduce your baby to new foods too soon; however, it’s important to be patient and stick with breast milk or formula at 4 months. Follow your pediatrician's feeding advice.
Start Solids at 6 Months
After breast milk or formula, iron-fortified rice cereal is often considered the next step for babies. Age is not the only factor used in determining a baby’s readiness for solids -- certain developmental milestones must be reached first. Your baby's tongue thrust reflex should be gone so he doesn't push the solid food back out. In addition, he must have good head and neck control while sitting up and show an interest in eating solids. MedlinePlus recommends that babies double their birth weights before receiving solid foods in addition to breast milk or formula. It is tempting to introduce your baby to new foods too soon; however, it’s important to be patient and stick with breast milk or formula at 4 months. Follow your pediatrician's feeding advice.
