If there is an unwilliness to eat, remember that the action of swallowing has up to this time only been associated with sucking. Your baby may cough, sputter and spit the food straight back out. Patience and gentle persistence will help your baby to gradually understand the idea of swallowing food. A rice cereal is the best choice for a first food, as it is easiest to digest and least likely to cause an allergic reaction. Choose a commercially prepared dry cereal to be diluted with breast milk, water or formula.
Wheat contains gluten, to which some people are highly allergic to.
Avoid wheat based cereal until baby is at least 7 months old. The quantity will be minute. Little more than a half teaspoon at first, diluted to the consistency of cream. The mixture should not be liquid. The principle aim of this feeding exercise is to introduce solids and to train your baby to swallow.