What food is recommended for introduction to a 4-month-old infant?

Introducing solid foods to an infant's diet is a significant milestone in their growth and development. At around 4 months of age, the primary concern is ensuring that the infant receives adequate nutrition, particularly iron, as they begin transitioning from a solely liquid diet. Iron-fortified cereals are recommended because they provide a good source of iron, which is vital for the infant's development, especially as their iron stores from birth begin to deplete.

At this age, the infant's digestive system is developing, and they can begin to tolerate new textures and nutrients. Iron-fortified cereals are typically easy to digest and can be mixed with breast milk or formula to create a familiar consistency. Moreover, they are suitable for balancing the nutritional needs of young infants, who may not be ready for more complex foods, such as pureed fruits or vegetables, which can be introduced gradually as the infant continues to advance in their eating abilities.

When considering other options, while strained yellow vegetables and pureed fruits can also be introduced later, they generally include more complex textures and flavors that may not be ideal at this very early stage. Whole milk, on the other hand, is not recommended until the child is at least one year old, as it does not provide sufficient