Already Registered?

SIGN IN

Gerber Childrenswear
Back to Topic

Introducing Foods

Question

I’m just starting my baby on solids. What’s a healthy balance between breastmilk/formula and solid foods?

Answer

Breastmilk or formula should remain baby’s main source of nutrition for the first year. Think about your baby’s first tastes as complementary foods. Baby’s first solids are about the experience of tasting new flavors, experiencing new textures and learning hunger and fullness cues. Starting solid foods corresponds with baby’s increased need for calories, so he’ll still be drinking about the same amount of breastmilk or formula. As your baby continues his solid-food journey, more of his calories come from solids and his breastmilk or formula intake may decrease.

Learn more: Use our Menu Planner to create menus tailored to your baby’s needs.

Meet Our Experts

The START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center panel of experts offers practical advice, answering many questions typically asked by parents and expecting parents.

Lillian M. Beard
Lillian M. Beard, M.D. Pediatric Health

Lillian M. Beard, M.D., is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and an associate clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national TV programs, discussing issues related to children's health. Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in the Washington, D.C., area.

José M. Saavedra
José M. Saavedra, M.D., FAAP Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

José M. Saavedra, M.D., a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a pediatric gastroenterologist with long-term experience and expertise in nutrition. Medical and Scientific Director of Nestlé Nutrition North America, Dr. Saavedra is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, the Sub-board of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and the American Board of Nutrition. He is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins-Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Roy M. Pitkin
Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. Prenatal Health

Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. is professor of obstetrics and gynecology and is former chairperson of the ob/gyn department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor to national health agencies concerned with women's health issues and has received numerous international honors for this work.

Robert N. Hamburger
Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. Food Intolerances

Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. is professor of pediatrics emeritus and former head of the pediatric immunology and allergy division at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in La Jolla, California. Professor Hamburger is a consultant and continues as an educator and clinician in the UCSD Free Clinics in San Diego and Tijuana, Baja California.

 
GERBER® Grows with You from Pregnancy to Preschool

*Offer benefits may vary. Limit one offer per household.