Infants
Important Developmental Milestones
2-4 months: sucking reflex integrates; feeding becomes voluntary and infant has control
4-6 months: introduction of smooth purees by spoon; munching observed
7 months: feeds self a cracker or other dissolvable solid
8 months: accepts textured purees and mashed table foods
9 months: holds and bangs a spoon; independent with finger-feeding; drinks from a straw
10-12 months: transitions to coarsely chopped and/or whole table foods such as cereal bars, avocado slices, etc.
Feeding Guidelines
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Offer solid food consistently; 1-2x/day to start and 3x/day by 8-9 months old
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Offer food 30-60 minutes before or after the breast or bottle; the first several weeks are about the experience, not about intake
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Encourage your infant to explore food with her hands and mouth while you offer the spoon or pieces of food
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Be attentive and patient during meals
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Model enjoyment of your own food
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Reassure your infant if she gags; know the difference between gagging and choking
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Follow her cues closely; offer food until she lets you know she is done and do not push her to eat more
Common Challenges
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Bottle refusal by breastfed infants
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Gagging/vomiting with purees
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Refusals, disinterest or crying at meals
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Texture aversions
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Spitting out food/tongue thrust
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Food allergies/sensitivitie
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Refusal to self-feed