By nine months of age your baby should be ready for finger foods. You may start with teething puffs and/or cheerios. You may also start introducing the food that you are eating, being very careful not to give anything that could be a choking hazard, i.e. hog dogs, grapes, or larger pieces of apples.  Nine months of age is also a great time to offer a sippy cup so they can be experts by twelve months when the bottle is no longer recommended.

That's it, there are no other rules. If your family has a strong history of allergy or it is thought your child has eczema, discuss advancing solids and even formula changes with your pediatrician. The pediatricians of Pediatrics East strongly recommend that fruit juices not be given. There is no nutritional benefit in giving juice at any age. The juice can cause cavities, obesity and a long term craving of sugar.


This page was authored by Dr. Melissa Adams.