The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for the first six months. After adding solid foods around six months, continue to breast feed until at least 12 months. They also recommend checking with your pediatrician about vitamin D and iron supplements for the first year.
We recognize mom’s choice in breastfeeding and many studies show that babies get a very healthy start on formula as well, but the AAP maintains that “breast is best.”
Know the signs that your baby is ready for solids:
- Sitting up with little to no support.
- Good head control.
- Showing an interest in food and reaching for your plate.
- Turning her head away from the bottle or breast when she is not hungry.
The AAP recommends starting foods that are rich in iron, as babies iron stores begin to diminish around six months. Some good starter foods are:
- single ingredient iron-fortified infant cereal (mixed with breast milk, formula, or water)
- applesauce
- pears
- peaches
- bananas
- cooked carrots
- cooked peas
- cooked sweet potatoes
- cooked strained turkey, chicken, or beef
*Expose your baby to a wide variety of foods
*Introduce one food at a time so you can be aware of any reactions
*Babies might need to try a new food 10-15 times before they begin to like it. Her taste buds are ever changing.
References:
For more information on baby’s first foods, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics