The guidelines to feeding a baby can be very confusing, especially to a first-time parent. Many parents wonder when their baby is ready for the many different varieties and stages of baby foods that are on the market today. Gerber offers its baby food in stages of 1, 2 and 3. Even these stages can be confusing, and the parent will wonder how to know when the baby is ready to move through the different stages.

The Gerber 2nd Foods Baby

The Gerber 2nd foods are introduced after the baby has been fed the Gerber 1st foods for several weeks. The age at which the baby is ready for Gerber 2nd foods will vary from child to child. While some guidelines indicate babies advance through the stages by age, babies do develop differently, so age should be only one factor in your decision to move your baby to Gerber 2nd foods. Gerber Stages guidelines are designed around milestones, which consider the growth and development of your child. If your baby has been introduced to Gerber 1st foods and has tolerated them well, he may be ready to advance to Gerber 2nd. Gerber indicates its Stage 2 food is for babies in the "Sitter" stage. This means the baby is able to sit up by herself with little or no assistance. The baby will sit in the high chair, on the floor or your in lap completely balancing herself. The baby will also reach for the spoon to show you she is hungry, and will close her lips to get the food from the spoon. Gerber Stage 2 foods are still pureed, so even babies that do not have many teeth can eat the foods at this stage. Stage 2 simply means that more variety is available, and a few spices are introduced. You and your pediatrician are the best people to judge your baby's needs and development. If your baby has been eating Gerber 1st foods and doing well with them, consult your pediatrician about moving up to the next stage.

Source:

The Different Stages

DHS Feeding Guidelines

Superbabyfood.com