If your newborn is not premature and has regained his birth weight, we recommend feeding on demand for the first 4-6 weeks.  That is offering breast or bottle whenever your child is hungry. For bottle-fed babies, slowly increase the amount of formula in each bottle to satisfy the baby (up to 8 ounces) without any increase in spitting up every 3-4 hours. Once they hit their stride babies tend to drink 24 to 38 ounces per day. If yours is significantly out of this range talk to your pediatrician.

Anytime between four and six months is an excellent time to begin solid food (in puree form). One clue that your baby is ready for this is if he watches every bite of food you eat. The only rules of adding and advancing solids come from the allergist.  Food allergy is not an issue for most children, only about 5% of babies will show some allergic reaction to any food.

The allergists have three rules.

1. Offer only a small quantity of any new food, about 1 tablespoon, double that the second time it's offered. After that, if your baby has no adverse reaction, you can offer that food in larger quantities.
2. Wait 3 to 5 days before introducing new foods; advance them the same way.
3. Do not offer meats or proteins (e.g. eggs) before nine months, then add them one at a time as you did with fruits and vegetables.

This page was authored by Dr. Melissa Adams