Age: 8 to 10 months
Signs of readiness for solid and finger foods

* Same as 6 to 8 months, PLUS
* Picks up objects with thumb and forefinger (pincer grasp)
* Can transfer items from one hand to the other
* Puts everything in his mouth
* Moves jaw in a chewing motion

What to feed

* Breast milk or formula, PLUS
* Small amounts of soft pasteurized cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese (but no cows' milk until age 1)
* Iron-fortified cereals (rice, barley, wheat, oats, mixed cereals)
* Mashed fruits and vegetables (bananas, peaches, pears, avocados, cooked carrots, squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes)
* Finger foods (lightly toasted bagels, cut up; small pieces of ripe banana; well-cooked spiral pasta; teething crackers; low-sugar O-shaped cereal)
* Small amounts of protein (egg, pureed meats, poultry, and boneless fish; tofu; well-cooked and mashed beans with soft skins like lentils, split peas, pintos, black beans)
* Non-citrus juice (apple or pear)


How much per day

* 1/4 to 1/3 cup dairy (or 1/2 oz. cheese)
* 1/4 to 1/2 cup iron-fortified cereal
* 1/4 to 1/2 cup fruit
* 1/4 to 1/2 cup vegetables
* 1/8 to 1/4 cup protein foods

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