For the first six months babies’ nutritional needs are met completely through mother’s milk or iron-fortified infant formula which is quite sufficient to support growth and development during this time.
Around 4-6 Months
At this time your baby may be ready for solid foods. The best first food is a single-grain (usually rice) iron-fortified baby cereal. Never force them to eat more food, pay attention to their signals of fullness. After the baby has mastered cereals, introduce strained baby food vegetables and fruits (1-2 teaspoonfuls of strained or pureed vegetables, such as squash, peas, carrots or sweet potatoes), allowing the child’s system to adjust and to watch for any unusual reactions.
7 to 9 Months
Meats, poultry, and soft, chunky baby foods may be introduced at this time. Home-prepared foods should be steamed, and then mashed. At this time, many babies are ready to begin finger foods such as chopped pieces of ripe banana, dry unsweetened cereal, crackers, or teething biscuits
10 to 12 Months
Chopped table food, well-cooked vegetables (without salt or sugar), cottage cheese and other soft or lumpy foods may be introduced; most babies eat 3 to 4 meals at this stage.
12 to 18 Months
The nutrition basket of children’s in this age range should include Mother’s or whole milk, fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, meat, poultry or fish.
Safety Tips:
- When feeding under-4 age children, or children with developmental disabilities, take extraordinary care with foods that require extensive chewing, or could cause choking if swallowed whole.
- It is best to breastfeed for as long as possible and to delay the introduction of solid foods until six months of age if your family has a history of food allergies.