Introducing Solids

Hannah is 5 months old now and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfed babies begin solid foods around five months. Because nursing her was going so well, I didn't plan on starting solids until closer to 6 months. By 6 months, my iron stores are diminished and she needs iron fortified cereal. Hannah's pediatrician also recommended beginning solids at 5 months and has a really great guidelines handout on their website for introducing solid foods. I still plan on continuing to nurse. Introducing solid foods is more for her getting used to textures and tastes and less about its nutrition content, so Hannah will still be primarily breastfed with the addition to new solid foods. After talking with my mom today, who told me that Hannah had gulped down 6oz and still acted hungry, I decided it was time to go ahead and introduce cereal. She only had one tablespoon of it mixed with 3 tablespoons of breastmilk, but she seemed to like it and I am looking forward to having her try new things.