- Begin at ~ 6 mo of age.
- Avoid foods with high allergenic potential (cow's milk, eggs, fish, nuts, soybeans).
- At the proper age, encourage a cup rather than a bottle.
- Introduce 1 food at a time.
- Energy density should exceed that of breast milk.
- Iron-containing foods (meat, iron-supplemented cereals) are required.
- Zinc intake should be encouraged with foods such as meat, dairy products, wheat, and rice.
- Phytate intake should be low to enhance mineral absorption.
- Breast milk should continue to 12 mo; formula or cow's milk is then substituted.Give no more than 24 oz/day of cow's milk.
- Fluids other than breast milk, formula, and water should be discouraged. Give no more than 4–6 oz/day of fruit juices. No soda.
