What is the recommended initial dietary approach for infants starting solids?

The recommended initial dietary approach for infants starting solids is to introduce rice cereal before other foods. This method is commonly advised because rice cereal is a single-grain, iron-fortified food that is easy for infants to digest. It also provides a good source of iron, which is crucial for infants as their natural iron stores begin to deplete around six months of age.

Starting with rice cereal allows parents to monitor for any allergic reactions, providing a simpler option before introducing more complex foods. Additionally, cereal can be easily mixed with breast milk or formula to adjust the consistency, making it easier for the baby to consume.

Overall, this approach lays a solid foundation for introducing a variety of tastes and textures while ensuring that essential nutritional needs are being met in the early stages of solids introduction.