Baby's first food

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Breast milk or formula milk remains the major part of a baby's diet until she's between nine and 12 months of age. Most babies do not need additional food before six months of age, but some mothers start to supplement breast milk or formula as early as four months of age. How do you know when your baby is ready for her first mouthful of Pablum?

She will let you know -- loud and clear. A baby ready for more than milk is hungrier than usual. The breast-fed baby drains both breasts at each feeding and needs more frequent feedings than a month ago. The bottle-fed baby consumes 1 L (32 oz.) of formula a day -- and wants more! Other signs of readiness include sitting up with support, showing she has control of her head and neck muscles; lifting her head and supporting her upper weight on outstretched arms when placed on her stomach; and a weight of at least 6 kg (13 lb.).

When it's time for more than milk, Pablum (fortified infant cereal) is the best first food for your baby. You may be told that feeding cereal to your baby will help her sleep through the night, but there's no evidence for that, and it's not a good enough reason to start her on solid foods. The reason to begin feeding cereal is to satisfy her hunger and encourage her eating skills. And for the breast-fed baby, fortified infant cereal is a way to augment her iron supply.

Learn how to make your own baby food!

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