From the Guidelines
Recommended Solid Food for a 4-Month-Old Infant
The best solid food to introduce to a 4-month-old baby is single-ingredient, iron-rich pureed foods, such as pureed chicken, pureed beef, or pureed iron-fortified rice cereal 1.
- It is recommended to start with a single ingredient and gradually introduce new foods one at a time, every 2-3 days, to monitor for any signs of allergy or intolerance.
- Begin with a small amount of 1-2 teaspoons and gradually increase the amount to 1-2 tablespoons as the baby becomes accustomed to eating solids.
- Breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition at this age.
- Iron-rich foods are particularly important at this stage, as they help prevent iron deficiency and support the baby's growth and development 1.
- According to the guidelines, introduction of solid food should not be delayed beyond 4 to 6 months, and potentially allergenic foods can be introduced at this time as well 1.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast-feeding until 4 to 6 months of age, and continuing breast-feeding through the first year of life or longer as long as mutually desired by both mother and child 1.
- Some examples of lower-risk foods for infants at 4-6 months include vegetables, such as smooth, thin purees of vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and pumpkin, as well as fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and avocado 1.
From the Research
Recommended Solid Food for a 4-Month-Old Infant
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solid foods to infants at around 6 months of age, but some studies suggest that introduction can start as early as 4 months 2, 3.
- A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that iron-fortified infant cereal can help prevent iron deficiency anemia in infants, and can be introduced as early as 4 months 4.
- Another study published in the Journal of Human Lactation suggests that exclusive breastfeeding can be continued beyond 4-6 months, and that introducing solid foods too early may not be necessary 5.
- A nationally representative study in the US found that 16.3% of infants were introduced to complementary foods before 4 months, and that breastfeeding status was a significant predictor of early introduction 3.
- A Canadian study found that most mothers introduced iron-rich solid foods to their infants' diets between 5-6.99 months of age, with infant cereal being the most common first food 6.
Types of Solid Foods Recommended
- Iron-fortified infant cereal is a common first food recommended for infants around 4-6 months of age 4, 6.
- Other iron-rich solid foods, such as pureed meats and vegetables, can also be introduced around 6 months of age 6.
Factors Associated with Introduction of Solid Foods
- Breastfeeding status is a significant predictor of early introduction of solid foods, with infants who are not breastfed or who stop breastfeeding early being more likely to be introduced to solid foods earlier 3.
- Maternal age, education level, and racial background may also be associated with the introduction of solid foods 3, 6.