Important Developmental Milestones

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2-4 months: sucking reflex integrates; feeding becomes voluntary and infant has control

 

4-6 months: introduction of smooth purees by spoon; munching observed

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7 months: feeds self a cracker or other dissolvable solid

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8 months: accepts textured purees and mashed table foods

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9 months: holds and bangs a spoon; independent with finger-feeding; drinks from a straw

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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

• Offer food 30-60 minutes before or after the breast or bottle; the first several weeks are about the experience, not about intake

• Encourage your infant to explore food with her hands and mouth while you offer the spoon or pieces of food

• Be attentive and patient during meals

• Model enjoyment of your own food

• Reassure your infant if she gags; know the difference between gagging and choking

• Follow her cues closely; offer food until she lets you know she is done and do not push her to eat more​​

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Common Challenges

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• Bottle refusal by breastfed infants

• Gagging/vomiting with purees

• Refusals, disinterest or crying at meals

• Texture aversions

• Spitting out food/tongue thrust

• Food allergies/sensitivitie

• Refusal to self-feed

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