When? About six months old. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended prior to six months. An iron-fortified, infant formula feeding is considered the only adequate substitute to breastfeeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
How? Go slowly! There is no need to rush. Use the "One at a time" method for introducing new foods. This method helps detect allergies and eases digestion. Introduce only one new food at a time, and make sure that is the only new food for three to five days. If an allergic reaction occurs, report it to your baby's healthcare provider and remove the food immediately from the baby's diet.
How much? Start out with just a few spoonfuls at each meal and learn to take cues from your baby. Breastmilk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition to 12 months, so quantity is not as important as variety.
How often? Four to six mini meals per day are recommended, because of small tummies and fluctuating appetites. At each mini-meal, offer small amounts (2 Tbsp/1 ounce) of two to three different kinds of foods.
What? Baby's first foods include vitamin-fortified cereal that is thinned with breastmilk or formula, and smooth purees of acorn and butternut squash, peas, sweet potatoes, apples, bananas and pears. After the first foods, you can slowly introduce new foods. Here is a list of first foods to introduce by age:
| Age | Primary Nutrition | Grains | Veggies | Fruits | Proteins | Dairy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 - 8 Months | Breastmilk or iron-fortified formula | Vitamin-fortified cereal � rice, barley, oat | Pumpkin, Yellow Squash, Zucchini | Apricots, Avocado, Nectarines, Peaches, Plums | Chicken, Tofu, Turkey | None |
| 8 - 10 months | Breastmilk or iron-fortified formula | Vitamin-fortified cereal � mixed, Graham crackers, Low salt crackers, "O" shaped cereal | Asparagus, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Green Beans, Snow Peas, Spinach, Sugar snap peas, White potato | Grapes (cut in 1/4's), Mango, Papaya | Beans - pinto, black, white, navy, Lean beef | None |
| 10 - 12 months | Breastmilk or iron-fortified formula | Egg-free pasta, Rice | Artichokes, Beets, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant | Cherries, Dates, Cantaloupe, Coconut milk, Melons, Pineapple, Prunes | Lamb, Liver, Egg yolks (fully cooked) | None |
| Over 12 months | Variety of healthy foods | Bread, egg noodles, pasta made with eggs, whole grain crackers | Lettuce, Collard greens, Swiss chard | Berries, Citrus fruits, Kiwi, Tomatoes | Egg whites, Fish, Nuts � almonds, pecans, walnuts, Seeds � flax, sesame, sunflower | Milk, Plain yogurt, soft and semi hard cheeses |
Making your baby's food is fresher, healthier and less expensive than jarred baby food, and it is a lot easier to make than you may imagine. Using fresh produce, a blender, and set of ice cube trays, you can make food in quantity and freeze it in single servings. Here is a simple and easy recipe for a common first food:
Green Pea Puree
Ingredients:
1 3/4 pounds fresh peas OR 24 ounces of frozen peas
Directions:
1. Prep - Wash and shell peas. Discard pods. If using frozen peas, start at step 2.
2. Cook - Place peas and 2 Tablespoons (30ml) of water in a microwave-safe dish. Cover. Cook six to eight minutes. Let stand for five minutes. They are done if the sweet potatoes can be mashed easily with a fork.
3. Puree - Place peas and cooking juices into a blender of food processor. Add 1/4 � 1/2 cup (30-60 ml) of water. Puree. Add additional water, as needed, to develop a smooth texture.
4. Freeze - Spoon into So Easy Baby Food Trays or ice cube trays. Cover. Place in freezer eight to 10 hours or overnight. Remove cubes from trays, place in storage container or freezer bag, and return immediately to the freezer.
Makes 24, 1-ounce servings. Stays fresh for two months in the freezer.
To serve, select frozen green pea cubes from the freezer, defrost and warm, check the temperature and feed.
