How Do You Introduce Cereal To An Infant?
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to introduce cereal to babies when they are between 4 and 6 months old, says Dr. Henry Bernstein at Family Education. Up until that age, infants require only breast milk or formula to meet their nutritional needs. Bernstein explains that infants who gain adequate amounts of weight and produce about six wet diapers each day are usually obtaining sufficient calories from food. Dr. Vincent Ianelli at Keep Kids Healthy agrees that parents should not introduce cereal to infants who are too young, because it could put them at greater risk of developing food allergies. Watch your child for signs of readiness that suggest she is ready for solid food. These signs include the ability to support her own head, using her tongue to push food out of her mouth and a demonstration of interest in the foods that you are eating, says Bernstein. Mix 1 tbsp. rice cereal with your baby’s usual breast milk or formula, and feed it to your baby using a spoon at
