If you’re breastfeeding your baby you are doing your child a service. Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition a new baby can get. It gives them a good start at a healthy life. Once they turn six months old, however, your baby needs more than you can give him or her. Breast milk is no longer the best option since it no longer contains all the nutrients that a baby needs to grow strong and develop properly.
Studies have shown that if mothers wait until their child is six months old before introducing solid foods they greatly reduce the risk of allergies. This can be important if you have a family history of severe allergies.
Should you introduce solids to your baby’s diet prior to six months there are some foods you should avoid for health reasons. Stay away from foods that contain gluten like eggs, cheese or fish. Whenever you’re considering making changes you to your baby’s diet you should check with a physician.
You[‘ll find your baby is ready for a change if they can lift their head. It’s important that your baby be able to keep their head up straight when they eat with a spoon.
You’ll find that at first you may have to hold them up while they’re eating solids. After awhile you can probably put them in a high chair. Every child is different so watch your child closely to see how they respond to eating with a spoon. Another good indicator that they are ready to add solids to their diet is if they start chewing their food. The have to be able to move food to the back of their mouths so they can swallow properly.
As your child learns to chew and swallow they will drool less and less. They will eventually start to grow teeth which will make the process easier.
Always monitor your baby’s weight. You’ll find that most babies are ready to eat semi-solid food when they have double their birth weight. This benchmark usually happens in the sixth month.
Babies can be obvious about that they want. Another indicator that they are ready for solid foods is when they take interest in what you’re eating.
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