Diet & Nutrition: Linda Hsieh
At what age do you recommend introducing soft solids and finger foods to a baby?
By Linda Hsieh
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing soft
solid foods to infants between four and six months. Some of the signs
that your baby is developmentally ready: She frequently put things in
her mouth. She can sit up with little support. She can move a dab of
thinned baby rice cereal to the back of her tongue and swallow it.
As your baby gets older, at around nine to ten months, her digestive
system will also mature and be ready for trying soft finger foods.
Well-cooked soft foods that can be mashed or shredded into tiny
pieces are appropriate. These include chopped meats like chicken,
turkey or beef, and ripened bananas and soft carrots.
Linda Hsieh
Diet & Nutrition
Linda G. Hsieh is a practicing registered dietitian with over
six years experience in clinical practice. Focusing on
prenatal and pediatric nutrition, she has worked as a
nutrition educator for over nine years.
