07/29/2026
Your child has reached an important milestone - it is time to start solid foods! Start with these tips and contact your pediatrician with any questions:
1️⃣ Feeding your baby: If possible, feed your baby only breast milk from birth to about 6 months of age and continue through at least the first year of life—longer if desired. If breast milk is unavailable, feed your baby iron-fortified infant formula. Talk to your healthcare provider about vitamin D supplements for your baby.
2️⃣ Look for cues: Babies may be full if they close their mouth, turn their head away from breast or bottle, or relax their hands. Recognizing and responding to these cues helps children learn how to self-regulate their intake.
3️⃣ Starting solid foods: At about 6 months, infants may show signs that they're ready for solid foods, such as bringing objects to the mouth or swallowing food rather than pushing it out.
4️⃣ Serving first foods: Introduce a variety of foods, flavors, and textures from all groups. Include foods rich in iron and zinc, particularly for breastfed infants.
5️⃣ Prevent choking: Make sure your baby is sitting in a highchair or other safe, supervised place for meals and snacks. Offer foods that are the appropriate size, consistency, and shape for your child's age and eating skills.
6️⃣ Serving safe foods: Avoid feeding your baby foods that contain raw or cooked honey, unpasteurized foods or beverages such as juices, milk, yogurt, or cheeses, as they could contain harmful bacteria.
All information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture — https://fb.com/USDA
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Posts are for general information only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For privacy, avoid posting personal health details.
