Before giving cereal:
Babies’ first and best food is the mother’s milk, or alternatively, formula milk. They still can’t digest solid foods because their stomachs are still developing from then on.
For at least four months, their only source of nutrition is provided only with breast or formula milk. But as recommended by doctors and medical practitioners, babies should be breastfed, if possible, since it contains just the right amount of nutrients infants need. And also, the changing nutrient contents of the breast milk conform to the nutritional needs of the baby.
When to give baby cereal:
Infants are not advisable to eat solid foods just yet while aging four months and below. It would not benefit them and they’re not yet ready to eat and swallow them properly. It might only cause them to choke and their bodies still cannot handle complex molecules such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Milk should only be enough to sustain the nutrients your baby needs. As always, you should get the OK from your pediatrician first.
Why this age?
When your baby reaches their 4th to 6th month, introducing solid foods may now be possible. He now has the capability of pushing the food to the back of his mouth to swallow. And also, his digestive tract can now handle solid foods. You will know if he’s ready for it if you noticed him to become more aware of his surroundings and when he starts reaching out for your foods. He may also start putting objects to his mouth which may indicate that he’s ready enough to eat solids.
Cereal and beyond:
If you think that he’s ready for solid foods, you can give him an iron-fortified rice cereal. This gives him the iron that is essential for him to have. Babies are also less likely to have an allergic reaction when eating grains. Here is a feeding chart for a 4-6 month old baby.
Starting a solid diet is for them to practice their eating and swallowing, so you should start with small amounts. As your baby adapts with eating and swallowing, you can gradually increase the amount of it. And as time goes by, it will become a vital part of his diet. If he’s become more capable of eating solids, you can then start giving him pureed fruits and veggies, and make sure to wait for about a week after trying out new recipes in order to observe problems or allergic reactions.
If he’s at least seven or eight months old already, he may now be ready for pureed meat. This should not be offered while they are younger since their bodies still cannot handle the protein content of meat. After he’s mastered swallowing, you can add the texture of the food and make it thicker.
Just always make sure you talk this over with your pediatrician as all babies develop differently and have different needs.
