Your Baby Today: New Baby, New Mom: Expert Q&A: Pediatric Nutrition: Solid Foods: Fruits and Vegetables

William J. Klish, M.D., is Professor of Pediatrics, Head of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine and Chief of the Nutrition and Gastroenterology Department at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. Dr. Klish has served as chair of the Committee on Nutrition of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Q: When my baby is ready for solids should I start with fruits or vegetables? How long should I feed her one before starting the other?

A: Solids generally are started between 4 and 6 months of age. Cereals are the first solid to be started because they are usually iron-fortified, and babies need a little extra iron beginning at six months. After cereals are introduced, tradition dictates that the progession should be fruits, vegetables, meats, mixed dinners, and desserts.

It's okay, however, to introduce foods in a different order because your baby is perfectly able to digest all solids at this age. It's best to give a new food every two or three days to be sure your baby can tolerate the food before trying another. Signs of food allergy include vomiting , skin rash, diarrhea, and wheezing.