Start with dry infant rice cereal first, mixed as directed, followed by vegetables, fruits, and then meats.Īlways introduce one new “single-ingredient” food at a time. The goal for feeding is one small jar (four ounces or a cup) of strained baby food per meal. Start with small amounts of new solid foods - a teaspoon at first and slowly increase to a tablespoon.
What guidelines should I follow when feeding my baby?Ī few simple guidelines you should follow when you are feeding your baby in the first year can include: Please speak with your healthcare provider and/or dietitian if your baby was born early. Baby readily opens mouth to accept the spoon feeding.įor children with special needs, speak with your child’s healthcare provider or therapists about seating/adaptive feeding.Baby shows interest in what you are eating.Baby is hungry for more nutrition after eight to 10 breastfeeding or 32 ounces of formula.Baby has good head control for long periods of time.Baby can sit upright with little or no support in the high chair.However, if you’re not exclusively breastfeeding, your baby may be ready to start solid foods between four and six months.Įvery baby develops differently, so here are signs to look for to know your baby is developmentally ready for solid food: Many healthcare providers recommend that you exclusively breastfeed your baby for the first six months of life. How do I know when my baby is ready for solid food? Changing position, shaking head, keeping mouth closed tightly moving hands actively.Pulling away from bottle, spoon or breast.Some signs that your baby has had enough to eat include: It is important to try to catch hunger cues to make feedings more enjoyable for both the baby and the caregiver. When hunger cues are missed, babies tend to get upset, with fussing or crying. Moving hands to mouth and sucking his or her own hands.Pointing at spoon, food or feeder’s hand.Grabbing for or leaning toward breast or bottle.Some general signs that your baby is hungry include the following: How do I know when my baby is hungry or full?īabies can cry or be fussy because they are hungry, tired, upset, uncomfortable, or need a diaper change or to be burped. Remember, all foods should be offered by spoon and not in the bottle. Slowly increase the amount of solid food you offer and decrease the amount of breast milk or formula. It can also be a choking hazard.Īs your baby starts eating solid foods, he or she will drink less. This can cause excessive weight gain and decrease important nutrient intake. Adding foods to a bottle, such as rice cereal, to make your baby sleep at night isn’t recommended. Formula-fed infants should be fed six to10 times a day, including overnight. Breast-fed infants should breastfeed eight to12 times a day, approximately 10 to 15 minutes per breast at each feed. Feed your baby every time he or she is hungry. How often should I feed my baby?īabies know when they are hungry or full. Here are some suggestions to help you feed your baby. Feeding should be based on your infant’s readiness, feeding skills and developmental age. Starting good eating habits at this early stage will help set healthy eating patterns for life. Nutrition during the first year of your baby’s life is important for proper growth and development. What do I need to know about feeding my baby during the first year of his or her life?
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