Foods for a 4-Month-Old Baby

It can be challenging for first-time mothers to figure out what to feed their baby during the different stages of his first year. Online sources, pediatricians, grandparents and so-called baby experts all have different opinions when it comes to feeding babies. Every baby is different. Some babies are more advanced when it comes to processing food while others need a little bit more time. There are several basic foods that you can feed your 4-month-old baby.

  1. Breast Milk

    • Breast milk is the most complete nutrition to feed your 4-month-old baby, as it contains the right amount of water, fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. According to KeepingKidsHealthy.com, a 4-month-old baby should get approximately 24 to 32 oz. of breast milk per day. Breast milk is easy to digest, and your baby will be less likely to get allergies, which are more common in babies fed cow's milk. Breastfeeding bonds the mother and baby and promotes shrinking of the uterus to pre-pregnancy size.

    Baby Formula

    • Baby formula contains fat, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals and is available in ready-made, concentrated and powder form. According to the Baby Center website, powdered formula is the best choice because it doesn't contain nearly as much of the harmful chemical bisphenol A (BPA), which can leak into liquid formula bought in cans or stored in plastic bottles. Another benefit of powdered formula is that it's economical and doesn't require a lot of space in your baby bag. You will also have a choice of milk-based formulas, soy-based formulas and formulas for lactose-intolerant babies and low-birth weight babies.

    Rice Cereal

    • Rice cereal is a good choice to feed your baby before his transition to solid foods because it is not likely to cause food allergies. The cereal, which is fortified with iron, can be mixed with formula or breast milk to form a creamy, smooth consistency. Use a small spoon that fits in your baby's mouth. Your baby doesn't know how to handle the thicker consistency and may push the food back out with his tongue. It will take some effort to get him used to chewing and swallowing this new food.

    Solid Foods

    • Babies are ready to receive solid foods if they can sit up with little support, open their mouth for a spoon of food and use their tongue to push food to the back of their mouth. To introduce your baby to solid foods, start with one food at a time and wait up to three days before feeding another food. You want to make sure that your baby doesn't have an allergic reaction to the new food. Vomiting and diarrhea can both be signs of food allergies. Some foods you can feed your baby include bananas, avocado, fully cooked pieces of meat and fish, pieces of cooked vegetables and oatmeal.

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