Generally, your baby will benefit most nutritionally from breast milk or an infant formula until the age of about 4 to 6 months. This article will help you learn what types of foods to introduce in to your baby's diet at key stages of her development. This information is meant to be only a guideline. Please consult your doctor when the time comes to get her input on this important information. It is important to realize that not all babies are going to be ready for solids at the same time. So how do you know if she is ready? You should check with your doctor if you think your baby is approaching this time. Her are some signs to look for:

• Your baby has doubled her birth weight
• Your baby shows more interest in foods that you are eating and may even grab them from you
• Your baby is consuming more than 32 oz. of breast milk or formula
• Your baby often puts things in her mouth
• Your baby can sit up without support and can turn her head when she is full

If you baby can do all of the above, she is probably ready to be introduced to solid foods. Another indicating factor would be if she always seems to be hungry. You shouldn't be too eager to introduce solids too soon because that could increase her risk of developing a food allergy. Another reason to wait until around the six month mark is that before that, there is a possible threat of choking. It is important that she is fully capable of chewing and swallowing food safely.

Here is a chart with very general guidelines for baby's liquid diet through 5 months. Following that will be more specific info. After that will be specifics concerning introducing solids up to one year followed by a chart with more specifics:

0 - 6 Months - During the first six months of your baby's life, breast milk or formula will be all that your baby will need for nourishment. If you are breastfeeding, it's hard to know exactly how much your baby is getting, but she will let you know when she is satisfied. If you are using formula to feed your baby, you will likely have been following the guidelines for how much to feed your baby, as well as taking cues from her as to when she is full and when she is hungry.

6-8 Months - By now most babies develop teeth and are ready to be introduced to strained/mashed finely chopped fruit and vegetables. At this point you will want to think about trying to give up the night feedings. Start by giving your baby less and less breast milk or formula during the night feedings so that she eventually will stop waking as her body adjusts to not eating during the night. If you are formula feeding, you can substitute water in your baby's bottle in place of the formula. Your baby is almost ready to start eating solids and when she does, she shouldn't be as hungry as night.

4-6 Months - Now it is time to introduce solid food. You should wait until at least four months to try and start anything other than breast milk or formula. You can start with small amounts of baby cereal thinned with breast milk or formula. You can introduce your baby to fruit juice thinned with water. Orange juice is a bit acidic, so you may want to wait to try that for another month or two.

6-7 Months - Now you can add some fruits and vegetables. Once your baby has tolerated the cereal well, you can add mashed/strained fruits and vegetables. Start with small amounts (one teaspoonful), increasing gradually as your baby gets used to the new food. Only introduce one food at a time and wait 2-4 days before introducing something new. This way if she has an allergic reaction you will know what it was from and what you need to stay away from. Try to make meal time a happy time with your baby. Make sure that you only put milk or water into baby bottles and put juices in a covered cup. Putting juice into your baby's bottle can lead to dental problems later down the road because of its sugar content.

7-8 Months - It's time to add protein. From seven to eight months you will want to think about adding protein foods to your baby's diet. Protein foods include strained meats, cottage cheese, egg yolk, yogurt, and dried beans. As with the fruits and vegetables, you will want to introduce one new food at a time and wait 2 - 4 days before introducing a new food. Start with a small helping (one teaspoonful) and gradually increasing.

There are several things to take into account when introducing new foods to your baby:

• Your baby does not need sugar, salt, desserts, pop, or sweets in her food.
• Talk to your doctor about the right time to introduce cow's milk into her diet.
• Avoid feeding your baby nuts, seeds, popcorn, raw carrots and other hard foods.
• Be sure to feed your baby a variety of good healthy foods, so that you are promoting healthy eating habits.
• Let you baby feed herself as much as possible. Even though it is a messy proposition, it is important step for your baby's independence and motor skills.

Here is the chart mentioned earlier to itemize suggested foods at the suggested ages:

As you gradually introduce your baby to food during the first year, you should keep in mind that every baby is different and therefore the process of integrating solid food may or may not follow the "usual"� course of action. You will find that your baby soon has her favorite foods that she looks forward to eating as well as food that she will refuse to eat. Try to listen to what your baby is telling you while remaining within the guidelines listed above.

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