Starting solid baby food

When should you start feeding your baby solid food?

As a new parent, that’s a very common question. When the pediatrician tells you it’s OK, then it’s the time. Usually they follow the guideline from the American Academy of Pediatrics which states that the best time is between 4 and 6 months. As the stage, solid food just a complement and it should not replace breast milk or formula.

The second question is which food should be the first one?

The first food you feed your baby should be easily digested and least likely to trigger allergic reaction. Commercial iron-fortified baby rice cereal is the most often recommended by American Academy of Pediatrics. After it’s opened, store the open box of cereal in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month. After 1 month, the cereal’s nutrition content begins to decrease.

Mashed ripe banana is nutritious and easy for your baby to digest. It is an excellent first baby food.  

Avocado is my recommend as first food for baby. Avocados are an excellent source of the unsaturated fatty acids that your baby needs for brain development. See How to make avocado baby food for more information on avocados.  

Sweet potato is another favorite first food. It is highly nutritious and rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), which is good for eye development of your baby.  

Feed your baby according to his/her needs and cues. If you make baby food by yourself, you can control the texture and ingredients of your baby's food. Check my other hubs to see how to make your own baby food.