By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist
Is your baby starting to show signs of wanting to open her mouth and let a spoon in? Then get ready for the exciting (and messy) adventure of starting her on solid foods. This is an important time in your baby’s life. Not only are you introducing foods to her tummy for the first time, you are also setting the course for her lifelong eating behaviors. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be solely breastfed for the first 6 months of life. Although some doctors say you may start introducing solids at 4 months, waiting until 6 months of age can help prevent food allergies.
- You reduce the risk of overfeeding: younger babies are unable to turn their head to let you know when they are full
- You reduce the risk of developing allergies: your baby’s intestinal tract is not fully developed until 6 months old so introducing solid foods too early can result in food allergies.
- You prevent choking: your baby cannot swallow food correctly before 6 months of age
- Some myths are just myths: starting your baby on solids early to help him sleep through the night is just a myth
Once your baby has shown you some signs that he is ready to start solids – let the fun begin! It is important that you set healthy mealtimes and allow adequate time for your baby to eat. This is, after all, a brand new skill for her and it will take time to master the art of eating. Eating fast, force-feeding, and eating in front of the TV are not only bad habits for you, but they can teach bad habits to your baby. As Kid’s Health explains, it is also important to pay attention to your child’s cues that she is hungry or full. Her cues will also let you know if she likes a food or not. The most important rule of all when starting your infant on solids is never, ever leave them unattended during meal times to help prevent choking.
Baby’s First Spoon
Try using your finger to feed your baby his first solid food. He is already familiar with your finger and it is the perfect temperature. After washing your hands, simply scoop a little bit of rice cereal or applesauce onto your finger and place it on the tip of his tongue. Once your baby is comfortable with receiving food from your finger, you should transition to a soft, rubber-coated spoon.
Don’t make it a buffet
During the first few feedings, your baby may only swallow a teaspoon or two of food. Keep in mind that your initial goal is to introduce him to the new experience of tastes and textures, not feed him to fullness. As your baby requires breast milk or formula for the first year of his life, solids are not meant to be substitute feedings. Starting slowly, you can gradually work up to a ¼ cup of food at time. Be prepared to witness inconsistent eating habits: one day your baby may love bananas; the next day she may spit them out. By around 8 months of age your baby should be eating 3 meals of solid food per day.
Food Allergies
To help determine if your child has food intolerances or allergies introduce new foods slowly, one at a time, and wait at least 3 days before introducing something new. This will allow you to identify which food, if any, causes your baby to react. Reactions can show as rashes, hives or redness around the mouth, a bloated tummy, increased gas, or diarrhea. It is also important to avoid feeding your baby common allergens in their fist year of life including peanuts, peanut butter, other tree nuts, cow’s milk, shellfish, egg whites, and citrus (including juices). Expert opinions vary greatly on food allergy prevention so be sure to discuss introduction of solids with your health care provider.
By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist
Is your baby starting to show signs of wanting to open her mouth and let a spoon in? Then get ready for the exciting (and messy) adventure of starting her on solid foods. This is an important time in your baby’s life. Not only are you introducing foods to her tummy for the first time, you are also setting the course for her lifelong eating behaviors. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be solely breastfed for the first 6 months of life. Although some doctors say you may start introducing solids at 4 months, waiting until 6 months of age can help prevent food allergies.
Once your baby has shown you some signs that he is ready to start solids – let the fun begin! It is important that you set healthy mealtimes and allow adequate time for your baby to eat. This is, after all, a brand new skill for her and it will take time to master the art of eating. Eating fast, force-feeding, and eating in front of the TV are not only bad habits for you, but they can teach bad habits to your baby. As Kid’s Health explains, it is also important to pay attention to your child’s cues that she is hungry or full. Her cues will also let you know if she likes a food or not. The most important rule of all when starting your infant on solids is never, ever leave them unattended during meal times to help prevent choking.
Baby’s First Spoon
Try using your finger to feed your baby his first solid food. He is already familiar with your finger and it is the perfect temperature. After washing your hands, simply scoop a little bit of rice cereal or applesauce onto your finger and place it on the tip of his tongue. Once your baby is comfortable with receiving food from your finger, you should transition to a soft, rubber-coated spoon.
Don’t make it a buffet
During the first few feedings, your baby may only swallow a teaspoon or two of food. Keep in mind that your initial goal is to introduce him to the new experience of tastes and textures, not feed him to fullness. As your baby requires breast milk or formula for the first year of his life, solids are not meant to be substitute feedings. Starting slowly, you can gradually work up to a ¼ cup of food at time. Be prepared to witness inconsistent eating habits: one day your baby may love bananas; the next day she may spit them out. By around 8 months of age your baby should be eating 3 meals of solid food per day.
Food Allergies
To help determine if your child has food intolerances or allergies introduce new foods slowly, one at a time, and wait at least 3 days before introducing something new. This will allow you to identify which food, if any, causes your baby to react. Reactions can show as rashes, hives or redness around the mouth, a bloated tummy, increased gas, or diarrhea. It is also important to avoid feeding your baby common allergens in their fist year of life including peanuts, peanut butter, other tree nuts, cow’s milk, shellfish, egg whites, and citrus (including juices). Expert opinions vary greatly on food allergy prevention so be sure to discuss introduction of solids with your health care provider.