Avoid distractions (like TV, computer, and phone) during mealtime to help your baby focus on eating.Ĭall or visit your Illinois Department of Human Services' Family Community Resource Center (FCRC).

Refusing new foods, spilling, and making a mess are normal when your baby is learning to eat. Let your baby decide how much and whether to eat. You decide what, when, and where to feed your baby.

It's best not to heat baby bottle or food in the microwave this creates hot spots that may burn your baby's mouth.

If you think your baby may have food allergies check with your doctor about how to introduce the following foods:.

May cause choking: (especially under age 3) ¦ These foods should not be given until baby is at least one year old because they: If you have any concerns, talk with your baby's doctor. Give water in between.Īge ranges are given to show that all babies develop at their own rate. Start whole cow's milk at 12 months in a cup with meals and snacks.Baby should be off of the bottle and using a cup by 12-14 months.Try soft, small pieces of food that the family is eating.Offer 3 meals and 3 snacks each day at about the same times.Make eating together as a family a daily routine.WIC gives baby food meat at 6 months if your baby is exclusively breastfed.If you offer juice, use 100% juice and limit to 2-4 ounces a day in a cup with snacks. Juice has less nutrition than whole fruits and vegetables.Offer baby breast milk, formula, or water in a cup at mealtimes.Try small pieces of dry toast, crackers, dry breakfast cereal, tortillas, and cooked and mashed noodles or rice.Offer cooked, mashed or pureed protein-rich foods, like meats, egg yolks, beans, and lentils.

WIC gives infant cereal and baby food at 6 months when most babies are ready.Babies do not need soda, fruit punches, juice, coffee, or tea.Next try plain, pureed, cooked vegetables and fruits.Using an infant spoon, start by offering your baby rice cereal.Baby will let you know he is hungry by:.Follow baby's feeding cues to know how much and how often he needs to eat.Breast milk* is all baby needs during the first 6 months.DHS 4369(pdf) Feeding Your Baby (Birth to 12 months)

Wic feeding guidelines for infants