4 to 6 months of age a child should eat 28 to 45 ounces of formula, and is often ready to begin the transition to solid foods. Starting solids too early can cause the infant to choke if not physically ready.
There are several developmental milestones to indicate the child is ready to eat solid foods:
Birth weight has doubled
The child has good control of the head and neck
The child can sit with some support
The baby can show fullness by turning the head away, or do not open your mouth
The child became interested in food when others eat.
Start solid foods with iron-fortified rice cereal mixed with baby milk or formula to a fine consistency. Grains can be mixed to a thicker consistency as the baby learns to control it in your mouth.
Initially, the supply of cereal twice a day in servings of 1 or 2 tablespoons (dry amount, before mixing with formula or breast milk).
Gradually increase to 3 or 4 tablespoons of cereal.
Cereal should not be given in a bottle unless a doctor or dietitian recommends, for example, for reflux.
Once the baby is eating rice cereal routinely, you may introduce other iron-fortified instant cereals. Only one new cereal per week so you can watch for an intolerance or allergy.
Never put a child in bed with a bottle as this can cause bottle mouth, causing tooth decay. Use water in a bottle, if necessary. Discuss the use of water with your doctor. (In some cases, the use of excess water can cause seizures in children.)
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