Skip to content


 






Introducing Solid Foods — Beyond the Basics
December 22nd, 2009
Learn when to add extra meals and introduce new foods.
by: Nancy Ripton
In This Article
Solids
    

  • Start by introducing one solid food once a day and increase to two feedings as your baby gets used to new textures and flavors.
    • 

  • Start with a few spoonfuls and don't worry too much about quantity–breast milk or formula will remain your baby's main source of nutrition until he's a year old.
    • 

  • By age one your baby should be eating three solid meals a day.
    • 

  • Wait until the one-year mark to feed your baby dairy.
    • 



 
W
hen it comes to introducing solids details like when to start new foods and how much to give your baby can be confusing. Here's what you need to know:


Start With One Feeding a Day


Experts recommend starting solids at six months of age and introducing new foods one at a time to ease digestion and help you detect potential allergies. "When you first start solids, try once a day," says Dr. Jennifer Shu. "As your baby gets used to the new textures and flavors, you can increase feedings to twice a day." 

Depending on the baby, this can take a few days or weeks. Work towards a goal of three solid meals a day and four (or more) breastfeeding sessions. How often you breastfeed will depend on the amount of solids your baby eats. Ideally, your baby should eat three solid meals a day by the time he turns one, or when he is only going down for one daily nap.


12345
Sample Feeding Chart at Six Months >>