After six months of a bottle-feeding or breast-feeding, suddenly it is time for your baby to sample some baby food solids. It’s time to get out the cameras and bibs. In addition to the fun, there are some key rules to follow.
The World Health Organization states that babies under the age of six months should get all nutrition from breast milk and/or formula. However, some pediatricians and parents still like to try new choices at four months of age. One reason is that infants at this age seem so hungry. They often go through a growth spurt right at this time. However, it should still be possible to cope with this appetite by increasing liquid feedings.
At the six-month mark, parents get a green light for trying out some foods with good nutrition and easy texture. New items should always be as nutritious as breast milk or formula. Make sure that new foods are not empty calories.
Introduce new choices slowly so that you can watch for allergies. Pick a first food, and then wait for two to three days to see if there is reaction. Signs of allergies include rash, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your child seems fine, then try another new food, and wait another two to three days. If your child does react, stop giving the item and call your child’s doctor.
A popular first choice is rice cereal. Other options are mashed avocado and banana. You can buy prepared products, or simply mash the fruit yourself and thin it with breast milk or formula. For denser fruits and vegetables, you will need to steam them, cool them off, puree and thin. Make sure not to use whole milk to thin what you prepare. There are books available or recipes online. Some proteins that are possible include chicken, turkey, tofu, and plain whole milk yogurt.
As your baby tot graduates to the eight to ten month old range, you have the chance to try egg yolks and beef. Other options include cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mild cheddar. Avoid soft cheeses, such as brie. Mashed grapes are a tasty option. Make sure when you are preparing meals yourself not to add sugar or salt.
At ten months, your child can sample bagels or pasta. He or she may want to try self-feeding. At the first birthday, you can finally try whole milk, which before this time could have interfered with digestion.
Always keep kitchen surfaces clear and free of bacteria and toxins. Make sure that what you serve is thin enough and free of choking hazards. Be mindful of nutrition.
The frequency of eating solids, like the choices themselves, depends upon age. Between six and eight months, give them two to three times a day. From nine to eleven months, provide another feeding. At the toddler stage between ages one and two, tots can eat three to four times a day, with one or two snacks.
This is an exciting time for parents and their tots. When you remember a few simple rules for baby food solids, the endeavor can be rewarding for your whole family.
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