| Age 4-6 Months |
| What to start? |
Rice cereal. It's the least likely to cause allergies, and it provides a valuable source of iron. |
| How Much? |
Mix 1 tsp. of cereal with 1 Tbs. of breast milk or formula. (Over time, you can make the cereal thicker and servings larger.) Aim for one or two solid feedings a day in addition to his usual diet. |
| Tips for Success |
Start with feedings in the morning, when babies are typically more relaxed. Wait four days before introducing another grain, such as barley. This will help you identify an allergy. |
| Age 4-8 Months |
| What to start? |
Fruits and veggies. These can be introduced either before or after cereal at each meal. Try anything from peas to pears, but offer new foods a few days apart so you can watch for allergies. |
| How Much? |
To start, serve 2 to 3 tsp. once a day. Work up to 1 to 2 Tbs. two or three times a day. |
| Tips for Success |
Introduce vegetables first, before your baby develops a preference for the sweet taste of fruit, and wait until she's 1 before feeding her citrus fruits -- their high acid content can upset her stomach. |
| Age 8-12 Months |
| What to start? |
Soft foods. Oatmeal, mashed sweet potatoes, and yogurt are all easy for a baby to eat. A child this age also needs additional sources of iron, so try pureed meats like beef or turkey. |
| How Much? |
Gradually work up to 1 to 2 Tbs. of soft foods and 2 Tbs. of pureed meat each day. Babies can get overwhelmed, so offer only two or three foods at one time. |
| Tips for Success |
To interest your child, try placing small amounts of new foods next to favorites. |
| Age 9-12 Months |
| What to start? |
Finger foods. Your baby has developed his superior pincer grasp and is eager to try feeding himself. Offer cooked pasta, soft bits of fruit, and dried cereals. |
| How Much? |
One or two finger foods (about 1 to 2 Tbs. of each)at each meal, in addition to several servings of the foods above. |
| Tips for Success |
Make sure all pieces are smaller than the width of your child's pinkie. Continue to feed him with a spoon to make sure he's getting enough to eat each day. |
| Age 12-24 Months |
| What to start? |
Table foods. If you're no longer giving your baby breast milk or formula, be sure she's getting all of the calories and nutrients she needs by offering her a wide variety of healthy foods. |
| How Much? |
Total servings per day (serving sizes in parentheses): 4 grains (1/2 slice bread, 1/4 to 1/2 cup cereal or pasta); 4 fruit/veggie (1 to 2 Tbs., or 3 oz. juice); 2 protein (1 oz. meat or 1 egg); 4 dairy (4 to 6 oz. whole milk, 1/3 cup yogurt, or 1/3 oz. cheese). |
| Tips for Success |
Entice your child to eat a varied diet by always providing different textures, colors, and flavors at mealtime. |
