Readiness Cues
I am ready to eat solids if I can…
- Sit up with little support
- Hold my head steady with control
- Put food, fingers, or toys in my mouth
- Close my lips over a spoon
- Turn head away from the breast or bottle when I’m not hungry
Introduction of New Foods
What foods to introduce:
- Iron-fortified infant cereals
- Homemade pureed vegetables or fruit
- Mashed soft fruit (ie banana, avocado)
How to introduce:
- Introduce one food at a time in small amounts
- Wait several days before introducing another new food
Find out more about readiness cues and solid foods from this WIC information sheet.
Picky Eaters
- Offer small amounts of new foods. Try mixing new foods with other foods.
- Offer a choice of healthy new foods in different ways.
- Let me help with meal preparation and grocery shopping!
- Help me avoid filling up on milk or juice before meals.
- Give me choices between 2 good options: i.e. apple/banana, water/milk
Click here for more information regarding picky eaters.