Edit ArticleHow to Feed a Baby or Infant Solid Food Four Parts:Knowing when baby is readySetting up a suitable feeding environmentChoosing the first solidsFeeding babyCommunity Q&A Baby's growing up, and is ready for solid baby food! But are you prepared? Do you suddenly find yourself face-to-face with your first babysitting experience feeding a baby? Here is some help! Start when baby is ready. It is generally recommended that babies consume only formula or breast milk until about four to six months. Don't press solid food too early, as it has been linked to food allergies and even eating disorders.[1] It can be time for solids if your baby displays the following signs: Baby is able to sit by his or her self or can sit with some support. Baby's weight has doubled. Baby can turn his or her head away from you if you try to do something unpleasant to the face (like wiping a runny nose). Baby shows interest in others eating. Baby shows signs of hunger even after 8 oz/236 milliliters (8 fl oz) of milk.
Baby can show signs of fullness by turning away the head or not opening the mouth, perhaps pushing away with hands. For absolute reassurance if you're feeling uncertain, check with your child's doctor regarding what foods to introduce and when. Use a feeding chair. Spread out a drop cloth to catch spills. Get a bowl or two. You will usually need one bowl for cereal, and one for a "side dish". Generally, choose unbreakable bowls, because babies tend to grab and drop everything. Be sure any dish used is clean and safe. You may wish to be careful about choosing containers made from #7 plastic due to concerns about its bisphenol A (BPA) content, which is thought to be able to leach into food and drink and may be a form of endocrine disrupter.[2] Wide scale concern was expressed as to this type of plastic container in the late 2000s, although the research done thus far has not convinced major government food safety authorities as to its lack of safety.[2] Since babies' immune systems are developing, many people prefer to err on the side of precaution and many products now voluntarily state that they are BPA-free.
Or, you can prefer glass over plastic or simply avoid heating anything edible or drinkable in a plastic container. Use a baby spoon.Babies on solid food need some liquid. Find out if the baby prefers using a sipper cup or a plastic cup (or you can simply make this choice for the baby). Use clean, filtered water, or juice diluted by half. Do not get the baby too used to juice; keep it to a minimum, as it is sugar-filled and can harm growing teeth. Pick a finger food.Even experienced babies should have cereal at least for one meal––it's one of the most nutritious solid baby foods available. The cereal should be the central "entrée" (main part of the meal). Experienced babies will usually eat a variety of grains: oatmeal, barley, or rice. Prepare as per directions. You can add a little bit of baby food for flavor, or pureed fruit or vegetable. For a first-time feeding, rice cereal, mixed with formula or breast milk, is the typically recommended food.
For the novice, be sure it is very liquid for easy swallowing. Always check the temperature of any warmed-up food before feeding the baby. Avoid using contaminated or expired food. Put a bib on baby. Watch for grabbing hands. Know when enough is enough. Record the feeding, if wished.Clean baby with the towels, especially face and hands. Use warm, not hot, water. Prepare dishware and containers for washing. Clean the high chair area with mild detergent and water. Prepare cloth towels, bib, and any soiled clothing for the laundry. Show more unanswered questions Not sure what the baby likes? Typical favorites are applesauce, banana and carrots. Invest in a stain pre-treatment spray like Zout or Spray and Wash to treat clothes and washable curtains. Look for an appropriate cleaner for furniture or carpet if you are feeding a baby near those materials. Keep it in stock and don't delay in treating spots or you will have permanent stains.
If possible, cover these areas with old towels, sheets, and the like when feeding the baby. Keep a damp towel handy and wipe any flung foods and little messes as you can. You'll have less clean up when you're done. You may still have a lot of cleaning after but it does help when you get to food spills before it dries or hardens.If it's warm enough, you can strip the baby down to the diaper and feed him or her without getting more clothes dirty. It's sometimes easier just to bathe the baby afterwards rather than try to wipe them clean. If you are babysitting, consult the parent on what's on the menu. Is baby crying but still opening his or her mouth to eat? You may be feeding too slowly. It may be time for a diaper change. Check to see if any straps are pinching. It also may be the baby is missing mommy, is tired, or frustrated about something. Baby food can be used as puree in many family-friendly meals, avoiding waste, and often boosting the nutrition value of foods.
If your dining area is carpeted or if you have fabric chairs you may also consider treating the area with Scotchguard or other similar fabric protector. Tired of the "Dropsie Game"? Babies like to drop objects from their high chair and see what happens. This is a universal baby game that is endlessly educational and amusing for baby, but also annoying for the adults. This game can end up very messily, with a cranky child (who now wants the bowl of mush), obese pets, and irritated parent. There's no known "cure" for this dilemma, but keep aware of where things are, offer appropriate toys to drop, do not attempt to feed a full baby, and above all, have patience. When feeding Cheerios or other round oat cereal to a baby without teeth, break them in pieces first. Check with your medical provider about what foods to first feed your baby. Babies under 1 should not have honey or peanuts. Babies without any teeth should not be fed any food other than baby food. Never leave a baby alone in a high chair.