#AskTheExpert my baby is 5 months now. Can I start solids to him?

Question

#AskTheExpert  my baby is 5 months now. Can I start solids to him?

Accepted Answer

Breast milk or formula is the only food your newborn needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months after birth. But by ages 4 months to 6 months, most babies are ready to begin eating solid foods as a complement to breast-feeding or formula-feeding.Breast milk or formula, PLUS.Pureed or strained fruits (banana, pears, applesauce, peaches, avocado)Pureed or strained vegetables (well-cooked carrots, squash, sweet potato)Pureed or mashed meat (chicken, pork, beef)Pureed or mashed tofu.Baby cereal (whole grain oat, whole grain barley or brown rice) is a common first food — and a good source of iron for breastfed babies — but you can also choose to feed your little eater soft vegetables (like sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, peas and green beans) and fruits (including pureed ripe avocado, finely ...