Confusion about starting solids

[cwolff]

When starting cereal, do you introduce all types of cereal first before introducing fruits and veggies.  I'm a bit confused.  I thought you would introduce rice cereal, then move on to veggies, then fruits.  But I read a sample solid food chart on a website recommended by someone on this site.  And it seemed to indicate trying all cereals first, then moving on to other foods.  Wondering what everyone else has done.

[Arwyn's mom]

Well, I had no idea myself... so, here's what I am doing. My doctor gave my a chart and it says that grains can be introduced at 3-6 months, veggies at 4-7, fruits at 6-9 so... I made up my own introduction sequence.

Introduced rice cereal for 10 days.
Sweet potatoe for 4 days... moved it to the dinner feed on day 5
Introduced apples... currently on day 5 tomorrow.
Introduced peas today.

What I plan to do is move through the introduction of foods in a cycle. Next food to be introduced will be pears.

Basically, I am doing...
GRAIN
VEGGIE
FRUIT
VEGGIE
FRUIT

I chose to do this because there are more veggies and fruit to get through than grains. I only plan to do rice, barley and oats right now. She will get wheat after 12 months of age.

I always introduce the food on its own. Then on subsequent days, I mix it with cereal.

[cwolff]

So you started out with rice, then moved onto the veggies & fruit right?  When do you plan to do the oats and barley?  I thought you had to do rice, then oats, then barley, then veggies and fruit.  But that seems a little ridiculous to me, and boring too!

[notenoughshelfspace]

My little one has been on solids for two months now and I have dine a comprehensive eating plan. If you would lik, I can e-mail it to you. Post me your address and I will do it. I have already given it toquite a few people and have had no negative feedbak; my little one is an excellent eater, no allergies, no refusals (except watercress)... Let me know

[Arwyn's mom]

cwolff... yes, that's it. At the next rotation, I will introduce Barley as the grain, then another 4-6 month veggie, then another 4-6 month fruit, etc...

I also asked notenoughshelfspace for a copy of her plan! Thanks notenoughshelfspace!!!

[tylersmommy]

The rationale behind trying all grains first is because they are typically the easiest solid foods to digest and least likely to cause any sort of reaction. You'll find that just about every source has a different solids introduction schedule. As long as you're offering foods that are age appropriate and you're allowing a few days in between new foods, you can introduce them in whatever order you'd like!