DHS: Feeding Your Baby - First Foods

State of Illinois
Department of Human Services

First Foods

Baby News

Date: _______________________________________

My Name: _________________________________________

Today's weight:__________ length:

First Foods You Can Feed Your Baby

Start with plain, infant rice cereal; it is easier to digest. To avoid allergies, wait until at least 8 months to offer wheat cereal.
After infant cereal, offer plain, pureed vegetables and fruits.
Offer 1 new food at a time, waiting 7 days between foods.
When trying new foods, start with a small amount (1-2 teaspoons) of a new food.
Food should be smooth and runny in texture at first. As your baby gets used to eating solid foods, food may be thicker and lumpier.

Watch for signs of allergies: skin rash, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing or wheezing, ear infections, stomach pain or gas.

Wash your baby's hands before meals.
Feed your baby when the rest of the family eats. (Offer 1-2 tablespoons of each food.)
You may begin offering water in a cup with meals (4-8 ounces a day). Ask your doctor about water and fluoride needs.

Check the expiration date and listen for the lid to "pop."
Always use a clean spoon to take food out of the jar and put it in a clean dish. This will keep bacteria out of baby's food.
After feeding baby, throw away any food left in his bowl.
Throw baby food away within 2 days of opening.

DHS 4369B (R-12-11) FYB - First Foods
Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois.