Babys first foods
When, and why introduce solids to your baby?
Infant feeding has changed recently. For a period it was felt that solids should be commenced at 6 months to lessen the chance of food allergy. But this has been felt to be incorrect and so 4 months is now accepted as the age to commence solids. Breastmilk or suitable infant formula continue to be the most important source if nutrition for the first 12 months of life. introducing small amounts of solid food at this age is important for:
- Encouraging new experiences of taste and texture.
- Helping with speech, teeth and jaw development.
- Providing additional nutrients, including iron and vitamin C.
How to start
- Time of Day: Choose a time when your baby is alert and not too hungry, or too full.
- Position:Until they are old enough to be able to sit comfortably in a high chair have baby sitting, supported and upright in your lap.
- Spoon:Use a smooth, shallow spoon.
- Quantity:Start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of a new food, gradually increasing with the amount daily until baby is taking 1 to 2 tablespoons of that food.
- One food at a time:Continue with one food for at least 3 days before introducing another. This will allow you to pinpoint any food which may cause a reaction.
- Preparation of food:Always wash your hands before preparing food and use clean utensils.
Allow baby to enjoy the natural taste of fresh foods; there is no need to add extra salt or sugar
What about......?
- The Mess!!!?Expect a mess. Newspaper or a plastic tablecloth under the high chair can help.
- Low Fat products?Low fat diets are not appropriate until school age.
- Microwaves?Be wary of unevenly distributed heat. Stir food once removed from the microwave.
- Supervision?Avoid small hard foods such as nuts and carrot rings which your baby may choke on, and ALWAYS be with your baby while they are eating!
- If your baby wont eat? Babies take a little while to learn to eat. If at first they spit the food straight out again, or are simply not interested, don't force it. Try again in a few days.
- Commercial tins of baby food?Contain similar nutrients to fresh food and be handy in an emergency or while travelling. However, these products are expensive and tend to contain several foods mixed together. (It is important that your baby learns to enjoy tastes and textures of individual foods).
- Fruit Juice?Dilute fruit juice can be given at 4 to 6 months, BUT it is not necessary and water is preferable.
4 to 6 Months
By this age your baby's swallowing ability, and tongue control are usually developed enough to eat smooth-textured food from a spoon. There's no need to start solids by putting food in the bottle!
Which new foods to give
| Cereal |
Rice cereal (mixed with expressed breast milks, infant formula or cool boiled water). |
| Fruit |
Stewed apple or pear.Mashed banana.
|
| Vegetables |
Pumpkin (these can be steamed, boiled or cooked in the microwave.)Potato |
| Texture |
Soft, smooth ie. pureed or finely mashed.
|
6 to 9 months
Your baby will be starting to show more enthusiasm for foods now. They will enjoy putting food intro their own mouth. Encourage this independence!! Even if no teeth have appeared yet, finger foods can be given. At 7 months drinking from a cup can be tried.
Which new foods to give
| Cereal |
Oat and wheat-based cereals.Rusks and pieces of toast. |
| Fruit |
Sliced, soft fruit, eg banana.
|
| Vegetables |
Soft, cooked vegetables of all varieties.
|
| Meat |
Minced and finely chopped chicken, red meat and fish. |
| Eggs |
Cooked yolk only.
|
| Dairy |
Cooked custards, made with cow's milk.Yoghurt. |
| Finger foods |
Pieces of soft, fresh fruit (eg. bananas, peaches etc.). Toast fingers. Dry biscuits |
| Texture |
Your baby is learning to chew, so texture needs to become progressively lumpy. Start with small soft lumps, graduating to slightly larger and harder pieces. |
9 to 12 Months
By now, your baby is probably learning to grasp and bring foods to his mouth. He may also be reaching for, and learning to use, a spoon.
Which new foods to give
| Cereal |
Whole grain bread
|
| Eggs |
Usually, whole eggs can be introduced between 10 and 11 months. (In the case of a family history of allergy, it is preferable to wait until 12 months of age) |
| Dairy |
Cheese, cow's milk on cereal. After 12 months, cow's milk can replace breast milk or infant formula. At this age 600 ml per day is enough.
|
| Texture |
Family meals, cut into small pieces are appropriate now.
| |
