This unique Nutrition Guide was developed from more than a decade of research, including the groundbreaking Feeding Infants and Toddler Study (FITS) conducted in 2002. It’s also the result of studying the eating habits and developmental needs of babies and toddlers and evaluating that research with nutrition and feeding experts. Unlike any other resource, the Nutrition Guide offers nutrition and feeding guidance, products, and healthy menus all tailored to your child’s development.

* Average estimated intake. Your baby’s needs may be greater or less than these stated; always follow your baby’s hunger and fullness cues

** Babies in the Supported Sitter stage may not be ready for GERBER Whole Wheat Cereal. GERBER Whole Wheat Cereal single grain cereal is appropriate for babies who have reached the Sitter stage and who have already been exposed to simple, single grain cereals like Rice or Oatmeal, as well as GERBER Mixed Cereal which is made with a smaller amount of wheat.

Common nutrition needs and gaps

Babies at this stage are still getting most of their nutrition from breastmilk and iron-fortified formula. As your baby starts eating cereal and then progresses to other solid foods, make sure she eats foods from the groups listed above.

Breastmilk or formula—still the main dish

Breastmilk or iron-fortified formula is recommended as the main source of a baby’s nutrition for the first year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Single-grain infant iron-fortified cereal, such as rice cereal, is typically the first complementary food introduced to infants.

Take our quiz: Is your baby ready for solid foods?

Start with single grains

Single-grain cereals are good ways to check for food intolerances and sensitivities. So give them a try, but be sure to wait about three days between each type of cereal to see how your baby tolerates them. Watch for allergic responses such as diarrhea, rash, or vomiting. If any of these occur, eliminate the food from her diet and call your pediatrician.

Your baby’s first solid is really more like the consistency of runny milk. Mix 1 tablespoon of cereal with 4 to 5 tablespoons of breastmilk or formula to thicken the cereal to a souplike consistency.

Fruits & veggies

Once your baby has mastered single-ingredient cereals, it will be time to introduce her to pureed fruits and vegetables. Just as you would with cereals, introduce these single-ingredient purees one at a time, so you can watch for sensitivities and food intolerances. Your baby may reject a new food the first time—but be persistent. It make take several tries before she accepts a new food.

Following your baby’s appetite cues

Another important part of establishing healthy eating habits includes helping your baby follow her hunger and fullness cues. This helps you know when she wants more and when she’s had enough to eat.

Healthy menus

We’ve made it even easier to make sure your baby gets balanced nutrition during mealtime. Check out menus developed by our nutrition experts—especially for your supported sitter.

Supported sitter menus

Learn more about products for this developmental stage