So, your baby has been doing well with his liquid diet... feeling full and satisfied, sleeping through the night, growing well. But somewhere around six months, something changed. He seems to be a little hungrier than usual, curious about what mom and dad are eating at the dinner table.
It's an exciting time when your baby begins showing signs of wanting to try solid foods -- and a little overwhelming. But it doesn't need to be. Starting slowly and following your baby's cues is definitely important, as is having a positive attitude towards food. Beginning with the right foods can set your baby up for successful habits later in life.
What should baby eat first?
Recommendations for first foods are usually a simple grain cereal – rice or cereal are the best options to start with. After that, try plain pureed vegetable or fruit, like sweet potato, carrot, banana, avocado and pear next. Remember to take it slowly (a mouthful at a time to begin with is fine) and to leave approximately one week between introducing new foods to test for allergic reaction.
There are a few foods to definitely avoid during the first year, however. These include honey (there is a risk of infant botulism), egg whites (to decrease food allergy risk; yolks can be given between nine and 12 months), shellfish, and peanuts (if you have a family history of peanut allergies, it's advisable to wait longer; consult your family doctor).
How often should baby eat?
At first, attempt just once a day, and don't worry if your baby decides to skip that day's meal. Try to set up a regular routine where, for example, breakfast each day is rice cereal. Then, in a week or so, add a lunch of sweet potatoes or strained pears. During this transition period, your baby will definitely need to continue his liquid nutrition in the form of breast milk and/or formula. But as he increases his daily intake of solid food, you will notice that his need for bottle or breast will gradually decrease.
If your baby is hungry and interested in the food, he'll likely act excited at the sight of it and open his mouth to try it. Don't be discouraged if it comes back out – eating from a spoon takes practice! If your baby turns away and closes his mouth, don't stress. It could be your baby doesn't like the particular food offered or is just not that hungry. Try again in a day or two.
In the end, keep in mind that it is the parent's job to offer the right quality and range of foods to nourish the baby; it is the baby's job to decide how much of that food he will eat. Trust that your baby will eat when he is hungry -- babies will not let themselves starve. We don't need to trick or coax them into eating by playing games. (Well, a little ”airplane” with the spoon is okay...)
So, shop for that high chair, and get some great bibs and washcloths, too. You'll need it all. Oh, and don't forget the video camera.
TIP(S):
- Wait until your baby shows signs of readiness before feeding solids - Start with a small portion of rice cereal or pureed vegetables or fruit -Wait a week between introducing new foods - Keep it relaxed. Don't be stressed or over-think itADVICE:
