Starting Solids Infants' nutritional needs are met completely through breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula for the first four to six months of life. Unfortunately, they often disagree about how to achieve that goal, and the question of introducing solid foods into baby's diet is one area where conflicts often arise. A generation ago, parents were often advised to begin with infant cereals by the time the baby was about six weeks old. Today's medical experts feel that's definitely too early. You'll probably start your baby on solid food at about 4 to 6 months, when the child can swallow and digest food offered on a spoon.
Babies differ in size, appetite and readiness to eat solid foods.
When your baby is ready, try one new food at a time so you can quickly rule out any specific food allergies. Copyright 2000 KinderStart. Inc. All rights reserved.