The right age to start eating solid foods is around 6 months old. This is when babies start to show signs of being ready, such as being able to sit up with support and having good head control. By 7 or 8 months, they can start eating a variety of foods from different food groups.
Here are some of the food groups that babies can start eating at this age:
- Infant cereals
- Meat or other proteins
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Grains
- Yogurts and cheeses
It's important to note that honey should not be given to babies under the age of one. Honey can cause botulism, which is a type of food poisoning.
As children get older, their dietary needs change. For example, children between the ages of 1 and 3 should eat 1 ounce of fish per serving, while children between the ages of 4 and 7 should eat 2 ounces.
It's important to consult with your child's pediatrician to determine the right foods and quantities for your child's age and developmental stage.
Here are some additional resources for more information about feeding babies and children:
- CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/when-to-introduce-solid-foods.html
- Healthy Eating Research: https://healthyeatingresearch.org/tips-for-families/ages-0-2-feeding-recommendations/
- KidsHealth: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/solid-foods.html
- UNICEF Parenting: https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/feeding-your-baby-when-to-start-solid-foods
