The introduction of pureed foods marks a significant shift from an exclusively liquid diet of breast milk or formula to exploring new textures and tastes. For a 5-month-old, this process is primarily about sensory exploration and learning the mechanics of eating from a spoon, rather than replacing the primary source of nutrition. The amount of puree consumed is highly variable and often minimal. Parents must monitor their child’s reactions and overall intake closely while prioritizing liquid nutrition and developmental readiness.
Assessing Readiness for Solids
Before offering any pureed food, a 5-month-old must demonstrate specific physical and developmental milestones. The ability to maintain good head and neck control is necessary, as the baby needs to hold their head steady while sitting in a high chair or supported seat for safe feeding. This control ensures the airway is protected during swallowing.
The loss of the tongue-thrust reflex is another indicator, meaning the baby no longer automatically pushes food out of their mouth when a spoon is inserted. They must be able to use their tongue to move food from the front of the mouth to the back for swallowing. A baby is often ready when they show intense curiosity in food, such as watching others eat, reaching for food, or opening their mouth when a spoon approaches. Starting solids before these skills are established increases the risk of choking.
Recommended Puree Intake and Frequency
When first introducing purees to a 5-month-old, the quantity is intentionally minimal, serving as a practice session rather than a full meal. A typical starting amount is just one or two teaspoons of a single-ingredient puree, offered once a day. This small volume allows the baby to explore the new texture and practice swallowing without being overwhelmed.
As the baby becomes more accustomed to the process, the quantity can be gradually increased to one to two tablespoons per feeding, which is approximately 0.5 to 1 fluid ounce. This amount is still supplementary, and the frequency should remain low, generally once or twice a day. Even with the introduction of solids, breast milk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition, and a 5-month-old will still require between 24 and 32 ounces of liquid nutrition over a 24-hour period.
Purees should be offered after a partial milk feeding to ensure the baby is not overly hungry and frustrated, but also not completely full, which helps them approach the new experience in a calm state. Progressing slowly, perhaps by adding a second tablespoon every few days, prevents the rapid displacement of the milk intake that is vital for their growth and development. The goal at this stage is exposure and skill development, not volume consumption, so the total daily intake of puree should rarely exceed a couple of ounces.
Monitoring and Adjusting Serving Sizes
Determining the correct serving size relies on observing the baby’s individual hunger and satiety cues rather than adhering strictly to a measured quantity. Paying attention to these non-verbal signals helps the baby develop a healthy relationship with food and self-regulate their intake.
Signs of hunger include leaning toward the spoon, opening the mouth wide, or getting excited when the food is presented. Signs of fullness include:
- Turning the head away from the spoon.
- Clamping the mouth shut.
- Leaning back in the chair.
- Pushing the food away.
When a baby exhibits signs of fullness, the feeding should end immediately. Parents must also monitor for adverse reactions, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or skin rashes, which may indicate a sensitivity requiring a temporary reduction or halt to the new food. The baby’s weight gain and overall health status, confirmed during routine checkups, are the most reliable indicators that the feeding plan is appropriate.