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.