Dr. Keer on Kids: Beginning Solid Foods

By Kennth R. Keer, MD

Q. At what age do you recommend starting solid foods to an infant and how should they be introduced?

A. Most pediatricians suggest the introduction of solid foods between the ages of 4 to 6 months. (Earlier feeding of solids do not help an infant sleep through the night)

The most common first food is iron-enriched rice cereal. I suggest starting with 2 tablespoonfuls at breakfast time and then again at dinnertime. The cereal can be mixed with breast milk, formula or even water and should be fed to the infant with a spoon.

When the infant seems comfortable handling the cereal, then new foods can be introduced. The introduction of each new food should be separated by an interval of 3-4 days to be able to identify intolerance to the newest food.

I generally introduce yellow vegetables (carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes) followed by applesauce, bananas, and the "P" fruits, (peaches, plums, and pears) and finally the green vegetables. Each pediatrician has their favorite food regimen but this has worked well for my patients over the past 30 years.

Infants should be given each food individually and with a spoon rather than all mixed up together in a bowl or plunked in a bottle. This enables the infant to distinguish both different flavors and different textures.

I suggest the avoidance of juices in the first 9-12 months of life as they basically fill the child with "empty calories". Being mostly sugar, juices probably allows the infant to acquire a preference for sugary foods rather than for the important varieties of richly colored fruits and vegetables.

You can tell if the baby likes the food by his or her smacking their lips, opening their mouths or even smiling. On the other hand, turning away, crying or making pursed lips often means, "I'm done or "I don't like it". If your child doesn't seem to like a particular food don't push it. There are plenty of other yellow or green vegetables to try.

NOTE: The information provided through “Dr. Keer On Kids” is for general education purposes. It is meant to aid you in discussing your specific medical or health issues with your physician or qualified health-care provider. The information is not intended as a substitute for personal health-care advice, or for diagnosis or treatment. You should always consult your physician or other qualified health-care provider as soon as possible about any medical or health-related questions. Do not wait for a response from our expert before this consultation.

Dr. Kenneth R. Keer is a board-certified pediatrician with offices in Tarzana, California. He has practiced medicine for more than 35 years. Send your questions to him at drkeer@familymanonline.com.