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Infant Feeding Guidelines
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Stages of infant development and introduction to solids
By the end of this lesson:
• You will be able to identify two readiness cues that tell you when your infant is ready for solid foods.
• You will learn at what age infants start solid foods.
• You will understand the recommended order of the introduction of solid foods.
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Activity 1:
List three cues that show your baby is developmentally ready for solid foods.
There are many cues that your infant gives to let you know she's hungry. You may be surprised at how many there are in a newborn baby. When your newborn is hungry she may open her mouth, put her hand in her mouth, make sucking noises and, of course, cry. The sole diet of an infant from birth to at least 4 months should be only breastmilk or iron-fortified formula. Any other forms of milk or solids should not be introduced. These foods or milks can cause problems for the developing infant. It is much safer to wait until your infant is at least 4 months and only if she is developmentally ready!
What are Cues That Babies are Developmentally Ready for Solid Foods?
| • They are able to sit upright with support |
| • They open their mouth when they see a spoon coming towards them |
| • They can move the food from the spoon and swallow without pushing back out of mouth |
| • They make chewing motions |
| • Drooling decrease as they become efficient at swallowing |
| • They have doubled their birth weight (usually around 4 months) |
• They have the ability to reject food:
Turning head
Keep mouth tightly closed
Forcing food back out of mouth |
• The foods that a baby can eat depend on the baby's growth stages and nutritional needs. Breastmilk provides optimal nutrition for baby's growth and development through the first year of life. Breastmilk and formula are still the easiest to digest for the baby's first six months.
What is the Average Age for the Introduction of Solid Foods?
| • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting solids around six months of age. |
| • The chances of developing allergies are greater during infancy. Limiting the baby's diet for as long as possible (preferably six months) reduces the risks of introducing allergens. |
| • At six months of age the digestive system in most infants is mature enough to handle new foods. The baby will be able to handle different foods without an allergic reaction. |
CAUTION: Babies can easily choke on nuts, seeds, popcorn, raw vegetables, peanut butter and hotdogs. Young children should be watched carefully while they are eating.
Activity 2:
4. Why should you wait to introduce solids until your baby is between four and six months?
What Do I Start With?
| • A baby spoon |
| • A plastic bowl |
| • High chair (if baby has difficulty sitting upright, place a rolled towel on either side) |
| • PATIENCE |
What Should I Start With and How Much?
| • Rice cereal is a good first choice. It's easily digested and very few people are allergic to it. |
| • Begin with 1-2 teaspoons of cereal mixed with 1-2 teaspoons of breastmilk or formula |
| • As your baby becomes accustomed to eating from a spoon, you can begin to thicken this mixture. |
| • When baby is comfortable with spoon feeding, you can offer 2-3 feedings a day |
| • Use single ingredient foods |
| • Look for allergic reactions like skin rashes, wheezing, vomiting, abdominal pains or diarrhea. |
| • Allow 3-5 days before introducing new foods. This gives baby time to adjust to each new food. If there is a reaction, it is easier to tell which food caused it. |
Caution: Honey may cause infant botulism, a food poisoning that can be fatal.
Do not give this to children under a year of age.
• Click here for: Feeding Do's and Don'ts
Remember! Never use Food as a Bribe or Reward
When should Table Foods Be Introduced
By nine months, the infant should be getting himself into and out of the sitting position, playing with both hands, bringing toys to his mouth and grabbing for the spoon during feedings.
| Watch your baby's jaw as they are offered food. When an up and down munching motion becomes apparent, pureed meats, beans, cooked egg yolk, cottage cheese and plain yogurt may be added to the diet. |
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Now is the time to bring the baby to the table at meal time with other family members, if you haven't already done so. The nine month old is ready to try self feeding with a spoon.
What are Some Good Table Foods to Start With:
• Start with small bits of soft fruit such as bananas or vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Well- cooked mashed vegetables
• Yogurt
• Canned, drained tuna or salmon (no bones)
• Mashed or refried beans
• Mashed egg yolk (wait until at least a year of age before introducing
egg whites--baby may have an allergy to egg white)
What About Finger Foods?
Finger foods help baby gain finger control and coordination, as well as fostering independence. At about 8 or 9 months, a baby may start feeding himself. Examples of finger foods:
• Grated fruits and vegetables
• Whole grain bread strips
• Unsweetened cold dry cereals
• Cubed soft foods
When Should a Cup Be Introduced?
| Your baby may be ready to start drinking from a cup between 6-8 months. The 6 month old who is sitting up unsupported and is using both hands for play is developmentally ready to begin learning to drink from a cup. Start with a small amount of breastmilk or formula in the cup, hold the baby on your lap and show him how to drink. Small amounts of apple, pear or other juice may be offered in the cup. Infants do not need more than 4 ounces of juice a day. This is also a good time to introduce plain water. |
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Activity 3
1. When an up and down munching motion becomes apparent (usually at 9 months), you can give your infant which food? Mark all that apply:
2. Why should you introduce rice cereal first?
3. What is the importance of waiting several days before introducing a different food?
4. List some good examples of finger foods to introduce to an 8 or 9 months old.
1.
2.
3.
Feeding time is a learning time for both you and your baby. Be patient and attentive to your baby's needs. Love is just as important as food for your baby's health.
Which WIC Office do you go to?
Where are you taking today's lesson?
You have completed the Infant Class on “Infant Feeding Guidelines”. Continue scrolling to check your answers.
Answers:
| Activity 1:
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They are able to sit upright with support
They open their mouth when they see food coming towards them
They make chewing motions
They doubled their birth weight |
| Activity 2:
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1. False. Even if your infant can sit upright at 3 months, you should wait until the infant is at least 4 months before introducing solids.
2. True
3. True
4. The chances of developing allergies are greater during infancy. Limiting the baby's diet for as long as possible reduces the risks of introducing allergens. Also, at 6 months, the digestive system is mature enough to handle new foods.
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| Activity 3:
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1. Pureed meats, egg yolk, and cottage cheese are examples of foods to introduce to a 9 month old infant. Egg whites should be avoided due to possible allergies. Peanuts are a choking hazard and should not be introduced until much later.
2. Rice cereal is less likely to cause an allergic reaction and is easily digested.
3. If there is an allergic reaction, it is easier to tell which food caused it. |
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Revised: 06-13-2008
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