According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, a baby should begin his introduction to solid foods by the time he is six months old, alongside breast milk or formula. Baby Center recommends three to nine tablespoons of iron-fortified cereals in two to three feedings; one teaspoon of pureed or strained fruit, gradually increased to 1/4 to 1/2 cup in two to three feedings; and one teaspoon of pureed or strained vegetables, gradually increased to 1/4 to 1/2 cup in two to three feedings.

On the Other: Benefits to Delaying Solid Foods

Jay Gordon, MD, FAAP, recommends delaying solid food even longer. He says a six-month-old baby should ideally still be breast feeding exclusively or using formula. The baby should decide when he is hungry and how much he wants to feed. You can insure your baby is getting enough nutrition by checking that he is gaining two to four ounces a week and has four to five wet diapers a day. The longer a baby exclusively breast feeds, the better his immune system will be. It will also give his digestive system more time to develop and decreases the risk of food allergies.

Bottom Line

Babies can leave clues about when they are ready to transition to solid foods. The best indicator is that he will show interest in your food when you are eating it. He should be teething and should be able to lift up his own head and make chewing motions. Once your baby is showing signs that he is ready, you can safely introduce solids to him one day at a time.

Source:

American Academy of Pediatrics

Baby Center

Kelly Mom

Resource:

Dr. Jay's Link Library: Breast Feeding and Solids