NCLEX RN Practice Question

The introduction of solid foods typically begins around 6 months, and iron-fortified rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula is a common starting option. This choice is recommended because it provides iron, an essential nutrient for infants at this stage, and is less likely to cause an allergic reaction compared to other foods. Offering pureed vegetables and fruits can be a good practice after initial solids like iron-fortified cereals, but it is not usually recommended as the very first food. Introducing whole milk before 12 months is discouraged because it lacks certain nutrients essential for infant growth and can tax immature kidneys. Providing water to a 6-month-old is unnecessary as long as they are consuming breast milk or formula, which adequately hydrates them.