Have a small amount of prepared food on hand and then settle in your normal position to feed the baby. Although your baby is ready for the calories solids provide, she will still prefer what she knows is satisfying – milk or formula. Start by feeding her from one breast or giving half the usual bottle. Then give her one or two teaspoons of food. Begin with the midday meal when your baby is not ravenous but is wide awake and more cooperative. Never force your baby to take more food than she wants. When she’s taken the solid food, give her the rest of the milk. Once she becomes used to solids, she may prefer to take them first.
As soon as your baby is having any quantity of solid food she will need water as well as milk or formula to drink. Start her off with ½ ounce (15 milliliters) of water or very dilute fruit juice between and after feedings, and whenever she’s thirsty. Give no more than four ounces total of juice and water per day through the first year; she should still be getting most of her nutrition from breast milk or formula. Avoid soda, drinks containing alcohol, and any drinks with added sugar, saccharin, or aspartame as these will damage your baby’s teeth and may encourage her to develop a sweet tooth.
