Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which food is recommended first for a new mother to introduce to her 6-month-old infant?

1. Iron-fortified rice cereal

2. Plain rice cereal

3. Iron-fortified pureed chicken meat

4. Plain pureed carrots

The correct answer is: Iron-fortified rice cereal

Introducing solid foods to a 6-month-old infant is an important milestone in their development, and iron-fortified rice cereal is highly recommended as the first food for several reasons. At around six months, infants typically start to transition from a diet primarily consisting of breast milk or formula to solid foods. One of the crucial nutritional needs during this period is iron. Infants' iron stores, which they accumulate in utero, begin to deplete around this age. Iron-fortified rice cereal is specifically designed to provide a good source of iron, which is essential for healthy growth and development, particularly for brain development and the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Rice cereal is also an ideal first food because it is easily digestible and less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to some other foods. It has a mild flavor and smooth texture, making it a suitable choice for an infant who is just starting to explore new tastes and textures. The fortification with iron provides additional benefit, addressing the risk of iron deficiency that can occur as infants grow. In contrast, the other food options may not provide the same nutritional benefits or may not be as appropriate for the initial stages of introducing solids. Plain rice cereal lacks the fortification needed to adequately