It seems like new babies reach milestones faster than new parents can keep up, so you might be wondering when your baby will be ready to start eating solid foods, like rice cereal and baby food. There are a few characteristics to look for in your baby around 3 or 4 months of age. Until this age, your baby gets enough nutrition from breast milk or formula. Remember premature babies sometimes develop later than full-term babies, so their readiness might be delayed. But if your baby can hold his head up unsupported, sit with support and takes an interest in what you're eating - he might follow your fork from your plate to your mouth with his eyes - then he may be ready for solid foods. At this age, your baby might seem hungrier between feedings or take more frequent feedings, and he may seem less satisfied after nursing or taking a bottle. Rice cereal is the most popular and seems to be the safest solid to start.
It's gluten-free and less allergenic than other types of cereal, such as oat or corn. Mix it with breast milk or formula, and make the mixture thin at first. Allow the baby to sit up and smell the cereal, then introduce a little on a spoon. Pediatricians normally discourage putting the cereal in a bottle initially, so that baby realizes food is meant to be eaten sitting up. As your baby gets used to eating rice cereal, consult with your pediatrician about other solid foods, such as pureed meats, fruits and vegetables. Stick with one type of single-ingredient food until you're sure the baby tolerates it well and isn't allergic. Don't wait too long to give your baby solids - at 6 months of age, pediatricians say babies may reject the texture of solid foods. Besides, the sooner you can get those cute pictures of a messy baby, the better, right?