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When
Do I start Baby on solid foods?
Article
brought to you by InfantsBabiesToddlers.com
Much has
been written on the subject of starting solid foods. Baby will be given
a combination of breast or bottle milk with initial solid foods for
many months before being fed solely on solids and drinks other than
milk.
Unless your baby is
not feeding properly on breast milk or bottle formula, and not
maintaining or gaining weight normally, you can start offering
solid foods anytime between 4 and 12 months old.
Most professionals now agree that starting at about 6 months of age reduces the likelyhood of allergic reactions.
If weight gain is a problem, you may start earlier, under the guidance
of your healthcare professional. As always, if you are unsure, see you
doctor, pediatrician or baby health nurse.
Another subject
that has been over
analysed is the tongue thrust reflex. The basis is that the mouth and
tongue
movements needed for sucking are very different than those required for
eating
food. This invariably means that in the first few attempts of giving a
baby
solids (really a slurry) will result in most of it coming out again
with the
help of the tongue. Eating food is simply a learned art, and babies
need to
teach themselves how it is done. Only few babies struggle with this
skill. If
your baby is struggling, don’t worry at all, just try again
in a few days.
What foods do I
start with:
Most
experts agree on this, the first solid foods to offer can include the
following. Note: when we say solids, we mean a soft slurry of food
given to the
baby on a small spoon with no sharp edges.
Note: If
your baby shows an adverse reaction, rash etc from any new foods, stop
immediately and get medical advice.
- Rice
Cereal: It is the only cereal that does not contain wheat. Wheat can
cause
problems in some babies. Rice cereal can be mixed with breastmilk,
formula or
water to form a first slurry meal.
- Cooked
apples, pears and ripe bananas: in any combination, alone or with some
rice
cereal to thicken it a little is often a very healthy favourite.
- Full fat
natural yoghurt: a healthier alternative to baby custard, if baby does
not like
natural yoghurt, try fruit yoghurt. Some babies get a slight rash
around the
lips and or bottom from yoghurt. If this happens, stop, and try again
in a few
months.
-Vegetables:
to start with try cooked pumpkin, potato, carrots blended into a puree,
either
alone or all together. Once baby is established on these, you can try
other
veggies such as zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower etc.
Food you
cook at home is almost always more economical and healthier than
prepared jars
of baby food. Though the convenience and portability of the jars cant
be
overlooked.
Either way,
enjoy the process of introducing new foods to baby. The expressions on
their
faces of sheer delight, disgust and surprise make the first few meals
fun for
all.
Best
wishes
Article
brought to you by InfantsBabiesToddlers.com
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and comments: info@sleepingbabyhappybaby.com
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