Introducing solid food 4 month olds and 6 month olds

When thinking about starting baby on solid foods and introducing solids to baby, a good rule of thumb is to “Watch the Baby – Not the Calendar”. This is true when introducing solid foods (complementary foods) for both breastfed and formula fed infants. Just because baby has turned 4 months old does not mean she must be introduced to solid foods.

Start out slowly, preparing a tablespoon sized portion of whatever food you have chosen to begin with. Some parents begin offering their babies solid foods by using their (clean and washed) finger as a spoon. They say that this helps their babies take to solid foods because the “new” spoon and the “new” food all at once seem to confuse baby.

How much will your 4 month – 6 month old baby eat at his first meal?

You will probably only manage to have baby eat 1/2 of the tablespoon sized portion the very first times you begin solids. Don’t fret if your baby does not “finish” a meal; remember this is a new experience for your baby. As your baby becomes accustomed to eating solids, you will gradually increase the portion sizes. Also, keep in mind that breast milk and/or infant formula are providing for the total nutrition of your baby at this stage.

Read our How Much Food Should My Baby Eat page for more information.

Many parents find their babies will push the food out of their mouths on the first few tries. This is normal however it may also indicate that your baby is not yet ready for solid foods. Only you know your baby and will be able to decide if baby is truly ready for solids.

Read our Solid Food Chart for the 4 – 6 month old baby below:

AGE/STAGE -

The AAP recommends that an infant not be started on solid foods until after 6 months of age. Many pediatricians still start babies on solids around 4 months of age. This chart accommodates all ages and stages up to 12 months.

CEREALS

Rice and Oatmeal cereals are the least of the allergenic grains and thus most babies are started out with those cereals. You don’t HAVE to start with cereal – try avocado instead or banana.

FRUITS

May be served raw after 8 months old – bananas and avocados do NOT need to be cooked ever

VEGGIES

Always serve cooked until after 12 months old or when baby can chew well enough so that no choking hazard is present.

PROTEIN

Always serve cooked with no pink areas – NEVER give a small baby/child raw meat or fish

DAIRY

NEVER replace breast milk or formula until after 12 months of age – serious health risks are possible.

Never give a child under the age of 2yrs old low fat or skim milk products; whole milk is necessary.