Introduction of Solid Foods

For the first 6 months of life breast milk is the only food required by most infants. Premature infants normally thrive on breast milk as it provides essential antibodies that protect their immune function and nutrients that optimize growth. A nursing mother just needs to be sure her nutritional needs are being adequately met. Generally, an additional 500 calories daily should be added to the diet to meet the demands of lactation.1

Until approximately 6 months of age, a baby’s digestive tract is not able to adequately digest most foods. The introduction of foods too early may induce food allergies or food sensitivities. Furthermore, it has been conclusively demonstrated in a Finnish study that prolonged exclusive breastfeeding will significantly reduce the incidence of food allergy and intolerance, even in families with a strong tendency to allergy.

Conditions that commonly result from food allergies/sensitivities include upper respiratory infections, ear infections and gastroenteritis. A baby is usually ready for solid foods when s/he is able to sit up and is able to push food away. New foods should be introduced one at a time for a week to see if there is any reactivity.

Symptoms that may indicate reactivity to a food include:


 Rash around mouth or anus
 Hyperactivity or lethargy
 Runny nose
 Skin reactions (hives)
 Infection
 Change in drawings-less realistic
 Diarrhea or mucus in stool
 Constipation
 Allergic shiners (dark circles under eyes)
 Dyslexia
 Redness of face, cheeks
 Ear infections


The following schedule for introducing solid foods to a breast fed infant has been compiled from numerous naturopathic physicians who work extensively with infants and children. Most physicians suggest avoiding common allergens such as cow’s milk, wheat, oranges, eggs, and chocolate early in the introductory phase (up to the first year). It is best to introduce one new food at a time while watching for reactions, i.e. sneezing, runny nose, rash around the mouth, anus or urethra, a change in stool or personality.

It is recommended that vegetables be introduced before fruits, so that infants don’t come to expect sweets at their meals. Non-allergic foods should be rotated every five to six days to minimize sensitization that may occur when the same foods are eaten once or twice daily for five to seven consecutive days.

Schedule for Introducing Solid Foods

6-9 months: Hypoallergenic pureed, mashed foods containing iron; 1-2 Tbs./day. The fruits may be too sweet to introduce at 6 months and are better at 7 ½ to 9 months.

Carrots Blackberries Prunes
Squash Broccoli Cherries
Yam Apricots Banana
Cauliflower Jerusalem Artichoke Grapes
Sprouts (blended in water) Kiwi Peaches
Pears Beets Applesauce

9 months: Food high in zinc and good for immune system; 2-4 Tbs./day. The oatmeal, lima beans, and millet may be difficult to digest.

Sweet Potato Cabbage Oatmeal
Papaya Blueberries Lima Beans
String Beans Nectarines Potato
Black Strap Molasses Split Pea Soup Millet
Mashed Potato Artichoke Apples
Peas Basmati Rice

12 months: Foods high in zinc and bulk; 4-10 Tbs./day.

Acorn Squash Barley Chard
Tofu Yogurt Parsnips
Asparagus Avocado Egg Yolk
Goats Milk-Fresh Brown Rice Onions
Garlic Spirulina Honey

18 months: Foods high in B vitamins and calcium; allow infant to eat amount desired

Tahini Lamb Salad greens
Kelp Eggplant Rye
Beets and Greens Chicken Rutabaga
Beans Fish Buckwheat

21 months: Foods high in protein to support growth

Eggs Almond Butter Turkey
Walnuts Cornish Hen Beef Liver
Cashew Butter Pineapple Wheat
Brewer’s Yeast Oranges Lentils

2-3 years old:

Sunflower Seeds Corn Lentils
Soy products, soy milk,etc Clams Peanut Butter

4 years old:
Milk products Cottage Cheese Yogurt

Source: NCNM Food Introduction Pt Handout