Which food should a new mother introduce to her 6-month-old infant first?

Introducing solid foods to an infant is an important milestone, and the choice of the first food can significantly impact the baby's nutrition and development. Iron-fortified rice cereal is recommended as a first food for several reasons.

Rice cereal is often chosen because it is easy to digest and typically well-tolerated by infants. Starting with a single-grain, iron-fortified cereal can provide essential nutrients that are important for infants as they transition from a diet primarily consisting of breast milk or formula. One of the key reasons for selecting iron-fortified foods is that infants are born with a certain amount of iron, but this supply begins to deplete around 6 months of age. Introducing iron-fortified cereals helps prevent iron deficiency anemia, which is a common problem in this age group.

Additionally, rice cereal has a bland flavor, making it less likely to cause an adverse reaction in an infant's sensitive digestive system. This allows the new food to be introduced gradually, helping parents monitor for any signs of allergies or intolerances.

While plain rice cereal may be an option, without the fortification, it does not provide the added benefit of preventing iron deficiency. The introduction of pureed chicken or pureed carrots, although nutritious, is generally recommended after