Month 5 Worry: How & When to Start Solid Feedings

What Parents Can Do

When starting Baby on solid foods, most doctors recommend beginning at six months with cereals first, followed by fruits and veggies. Add new foods in one at a time, a new food every five days or so. By adding foods individually, you will know what the culprit is if an infant food reaction should occur. Signs to look for would be rash, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or blood in the stool.

What the Docs May Do

The diagnosis of food allergy is usually clinical, made by a practitioner who takes a careful history of your family's allergies and your child's specific reaction, and performs a complete physical exam. In infants, the treatment is usually food avoidance for an extended period of time. In some instances, bloodwork or skin testing may be recommended. Talk to your pediatrician if you think your child may be showing signs of food allergy.

More 5th Month Health Help

Even the most confident parent has concerns about her child's health and wellness from time to time. Learn more about which medical issues are most common at each baby age, here. (If you have any pressing concerns or questions about your baby's health, please check with her healthcare provider.)

• What was last month's most popular health worry?
• Learn which medical question you might have next month.
• Here's what else is happening with your baby's health and development this month.