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Expert Q&A
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| By Allison Gamble Nutritionist/Diet Technician Highland Park Hospital, Illinois | ||
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When is it appropriate to feed meats to a baby?
According to the American Dietetic Association's Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, it is inappropriate to feed a baby solid foods before four months of age. At four to six months babies can start trying fortified single grain infant cereal, single strained fruits and vegetables. At seven to nine months strained meats/poultry can be introduced. At 10 to 12 months, chopped meats can be worked into the baby's diet.
Keep in mind that all babies mature at an individual rate. The baby must be physically ready to try the foods. You should allow the baby to sample the food and if they reject it at the time try again in about a week to reintroduce the new food. Remember, a baby's taste buds are strong and they may need to get used to all the new flavors gradually. Good luck!
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