What stage of feeding is baby in at 4-6 months?

At 4-6 months, baby may be able to start purees and cereals, as long as:

• Baby can sit up in a high chair

• Baby has good head control

• A healthcare provider has said baby is ready

How do I transition my baby to solid foods?

• Begin and end baby’s meal with breast milk or formula while they are transitioning to solid foods.

• Alternating between the bottle and spoon can help baby connect the idea of spoon-feeding with the comfort of nursing.

What are some good foods to start with as purees?

Purees are best when made with fruits and vegetables that can be cooked, cooled and blended into a smooth, thin liquid. Some popular first foods to puree are:

• Carrots

• Apples

• Pears

• Squash

• Green beans

Keep in mind formula or breast milk will continue to be a key part of their nutrition until baby is one year old. However, baby should not have any cow’s milk until they are 12 months old.

Feeding Milestones at 4-6 Months

• Shows interest in food

• Opens mouth as spoon approaches

• Moves pureed food from front of mouth to back

• Begins to eat infant cereals and pureed foods

Appropriate Foods at 4-6 Months

• Breast milk and/or formula

• Infant cereal

• Smooth, pureed food (single ingredient only), like carrots, sweet potato, squash, apples, pears

Feeding Tips at 4-6 Months

• Homemade purees should have a thick liquid consistency

• Make batches of homemade purees and freeze in ice cube trays. Thaw purees before feeding to your baby.

• Introduce baby to one new food at a time (every 3 days)

• When transitioning to solids, try starting and ending the meal with milk/formula

• Having a stronger core and more control over their neck and head movement is important for introducing solids