Introducing semi-solid and solid foods to your infant can be a confusing and complex process. Typically, infants should start on solid foods at around 6 months, although it depends on the individual baby’s developmental readiness. For help making your baby’s transition to solid foods a smooth one, check out the following Do’s and Don’ts:
| Do | Don’t |
| Watch for signs your child is full (ex: shaking his/her head). | Over feed your child. |
| Begin with single-ingredient foods. | Use a bottle for feeding semi-solid foods. |
| Wait five days before starting new foods so food allergies or intolerances can be identified. | Force your baby to finish bottles or food. |
| Make meal time a happy time. | Leave your baby alone while he/she is eating. |
| Offer new foods when your baby is not too tired or hungry. | Add salt or sugar to foods. |
In addition to these Do’s and Don’ts, your child should avoid the following foods during their first year to decrease other risks including:
- Choking risk– celery, grapes, raw carrots, corn, raisins, cherry tomatoes, nuts, olives, popcorn, peanut butter, sausage, hot dogs, and gum.
- Serious health risks– honey, cow’s milk, rare meat, cheese, unpasteurized juice, bean sprouts, and alfalfa sprouts.
By following these recommendations, your child will have a safe transition to solid foods and begin developing habits for a lifetime of healthy eating.
Did You Know?
Reading your baby’s cues can help ensure you are not overfeeding. Look for the following signs that your infant is full:
Opening or resting of arms alongside his/her body
- Opening hands or relaxing fingers
- Arching his/her back
- Shaking his/her head
- Pushing away
- Falling asleep
