Care: Episode 5 | Baby First Food: First Foods for Babies

Getting your baby to learn how to eat his first foods can seem like a daunting milestone, but it’s not astrophysics. When the time is right, he’ll figure it out, with a little help from you. And even if you goof once or twice — say, give him fruit before rice cereal — nothing bad is likely to happen. Still, by sticking to the right timing and sequence of your baby’s first “real” foods, you can improve his nutrition and health. Babies are typically ready to start solids between 4 and 6 months, as long as they're showing signs of readiness, such as being able to sit upright with good head control. Talk to your baby's doctor about which foods to introduce first, particularly if you're concerned about an allergy. In general, infant cereal and pureed, one-ingredient veggies, fruits, and meats are great first foods.

Before you start, remember that offering solids is a gradual process. Until now, your baby has only known breast milk or formula (and he’ll continue to need them until he’s one). If he pushes food out of his mouth or presses his lips together when you eagerly try to spoon-feed him, don’t force it. He may not be ready to eat solids yet. And even when he is, it can take as many as 20 times before he warms up to a particular food.

The first few times you offer him something he’s never eaten before; one or two teaspoons is enough. Just getting the taste of it on his little lips is an accomplishment. The most important thing is to make his first experiences with new foods as positive as possible.
Post 6 months of age, parents are confused about introducing solid foods to their children. First food for babies can be very experimental. Their stomach is still very tender and hence, they might not be able to digest everything you might want to feed your child. If you are also worried about what to feed your 6 months old baby or beyond, let us see what our Nutrition Expert has to say on the topic.