BABY FOOD- 4-6 Months

 

 

Age: 4 to 6 months

 

Before beginning to feed solid foods to the baby in his/her  4 to 6 months age, we observe these milestones....if most of them are achieved, it indicates the baby is ready to eat solid food. 

Can hold head up

Sits well in a highchair/ any chair without much support

Learns to chew slowly

Doubled birth weight

Shows interest in food

What to feed

• Breast milk or formula, 
• Pureed food (like sweet potatoes, squash, apples, bananas, peaches, or pears) or semi-liquid iron-fortified rice/ oat cereal. Wheat cereal to be fed only after the baby is 9 months old. 

Quantity per day

• Begin with about 1 teaspoon pureed food or cereal. Mix cereal with 4 to 5 teaspoons breast milk or formula in watery consistency.
• Increase to 1 tablespoon of pureed food, or 1 tablespoon of cereal mixed with breast milk or formula, twice a day. If giving cereal, gradually thicken the consistency by using less liquid.

Feeding tips

Don't stop offering a particular food if the baby refuses it the first time. offer it again in a few days.

 

- Prathyusha Talluri