Infant Feeding Guidelines

Remember there is no rush to introduce a certain food, and introduction of food before the age of 4 to 6 months may be more trouble than it's worth. Although it's difficult to wait all that time to see your little one begin to eat, it really is best to wait.

If you are breastfeeding, it is best to do this exclusively until your baby is 6 months old. After that, small amounts of baby cereal are great, as well as veggies. Orange vegetables are usually the ones to start with, although some people prefer to try the green ones like peas and green beans, fearing once the baby gets the yummy carrots and sweet potatoes the green beans and peas will be forgotten. For this reason vegetables are given before fruit.

Always remember to watch your baby for signs of readiness. The chart below mentions milestones your child should meet before different foods should be introduced. If your child is not meeting these milestones exactly by the book, that's fine! Just wait a little while to introduce these foods.

Infant Feeding and Milestones

Breast milk or baby formula

Age 4 to 6 months

Breast milk or formula, plus very thin iron-fortified rice cereal

Begin with a very thin consistency and gradually make it thicker as your baby gets used to it and is able to handle it. After rice cereal, add other grain cereals, such as barley or oatmeal Developmental Milestones for Feeding at 6 Months

Holds head up

Sits well in high chair

Shows interest in food

Seems hungry after 8- to 10-fl-oz liquid feedings and/or 40 fl oz of formula in a day

Makes chewing motions

What are your infant feeding guidelines for my 6 to 8 month old?

Breast milk or formula, plus iron-fortified cereals, two to three times per day. Pureed or strained fruits; begin with 1 tsp at each feeding, increase to ¼ cup (C) to ½ C. Pureed or strained vegetables; begin with 1 tsp at each feeding, increase to ¼ C to ½ C.

IMPORTANT: Introduce one new food every 3 days to make sure baby is not allergic

What should 8 to 10 month olds be eating?

Iron-fortified cereals with breastmilk or formula, one to two times per day

Mashed fruits and vegetables, ¼ to ½ C per day

Finger foods (teething crackers, O-shaped cereal, well-cooked chunky pasta)

Small amounts of soft pasteurized cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese Small amounts of protein (egg yolks, pureed meats and poultry, tofu)

Continue to introduce one food at a time, allowing at least 3 days before introducing the next new food to make sure your baby is not allergic.

Developemental Milestones for Feeding at 8-10 Months

Picks up objects with thumb and forefinger (pincer grasp)

Transfers objects from one hand to another

Puts everything in mouth

Moves jaw in a chewing motion

What should I feed my 10 to 12 month old?

Breast milk or formula, plus iron-fortified cereals, one to two times per day Fruit cut into cubes or strips or mashed. ¼ C to ½ C per day Bite-size, soft-cooked vegetables, ¼ C to ½ C per day Finger foods (teething crackers, O-shaped cereal, well-cooked chunky pasta) Small amounts of soft pasteurized cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese

Small amounts of protein (egg yolks, ground or chopped meats and poultry, tofu) Combination foods (macaroni and cheese, pizza, casseroles, stews) Continue to introduce 1 new food every 3 days.

Developmental Milestones for Feeding at 10-12 Months:

Picks up objects with thumb and forefinger (pincer grasp)

Transfers objects from one hand to another

Mouths toys and other objects.

Moves mouth in a chewing motion

Has a few teeth

Is trying to use a spoon

That's your baby's first year in food! Remember to use these infant feeding guidelines when deciding what to feed your child, and make sure she is meeting some of the milestones associated with the age before giving her the food.

If your child is not ready for a food or refuses a certain food, there is nothing wrong with taking a break and reintroducing it at another time.

Also remember that a baby's taste buds are not well developed and they are usually OK with bland food. Do not add salt to an infants food unless advised by a doctor. They do not need it for flavor and it's not healthy for them.

Homemade baby food is great for babies if you have the time and are willing to make the effort.

If you feel these infant feeding guidelines are not specific enough for you or you have more questions and additional concerns on what, how much and when to feed your baby, make an appointment with us! We can help you plan your little one's meals and make sure he's getting the best nutrition possible.

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