Question for “Ask the Dietitian:” What do you suggest as the first food for an infant and when? I’ve heard conflicting information about rice cereal. Thoughts?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you exlusively breastfeed for 6 months, but they also state that you can introduce solids between 4-6 months. For most babies, I would recommend introducing solids right around 6 months, but check with your pediatrician. Your baby should be showing interest in your food, holding their head up in a steady upright position, and sitting with some support.

New Baby Food Guidelines suggest that you can start with any food as long as it is a thin puree. You don’t have to start with cereal, but breastfeed babies at 6 months need a little extra iron in their diets, so I would recommend starting with infant oatmeal cereal first since infant cereals are fortified with iron. Some even recommend starting with meats, but honestly you can start with anything.

There was a lot of buzz about arsenic in rice last fall, this is most likely the cause of the conflicting information about rice. In case you missed out on the news published by Consumer Reports, check out this post, Arsenic in Rice. The Federal Department of Agriculture stated they would conduct their own research and possibly put limits on the amount of arsenic allowed in food and drinks (apple juice is also a concern.) Everyone is still impatiently waiting for their report. Here is an update from Consumer Reports.

My family and I have chosen to minimize rice consumption until the FDA puts out a new report. I personally would not provide rice cereal to my infant, but they do need iron fortified cereals. I would stick with oatmeal instead of rice for now, but without more information it really is a personal decision for you and your family. For more information about how much infants should be eating check out Feeding Guides for Infants.