Babies spend their first several months eating formula or breast milk, which supplies all of the needed nutrients. A growing baby usually begins showing signs of interest in eating solid foods as she nears six months of age. Knowing how to introduce solid foods helps keep your baby safe and healthy.
Warm Food Carefully
Safety is the main concern when it comes to temperature of food for babies. Make sure the food isn't too hot before you give it to her. Test the food by feeling it. If the food feels hot on your skin, it is too hot for your baby. When possible, heat food on the stove, rather than in the microwave to avoid hot spots. Stir or shake the food thoroughly after you have heated it.
Avoid Bottles In Bed
Avoid giving your infant a bottle in his bed. The bottle presents a choking hazard if the baby swallows the wrong way. Letting your baby suck on a bottle after brushing her teeth also increases the chances of tooth decay because of the sugar in milk.
Watch for Signs of Readiness
Introducing solid food too early increases the chances of choking and can irritate a baby's immature digestive system. Infants mature at different rates, so watch for signs of readiness rather than starting at a specific age. Wait until your baby can sit up while supporting her own neck, takes an interest in eating, reaches for objects and acts hungry even after having breast milk or formula.
Introduce Solids Gradually
A single-grain baby cereal such as rice cereal is the first food you should introduce. Start with a runny consistency and gradually thicken the cereal as your baby improves her eating. Pureed fruits, vegetables and meats can be added as your baby expands her solid-food intake. Wait until around 10 months to offer soft finger foods.
Waiting Rule
As you're introducing solid foods to your infant, try single foods rather than a combination of ingredients. By adding only one food at a time, you can watch for allergic reactions. The Mayo Clinic recommends waiting a week between each new food.
Foods to Avoid
There are several foods that babies should not have. Babies under the age of 1 should not have honey because of the risk of botulism. Limit or avoid foods with high levels of nitrates such as spinach, collard greens, beets and turnips. Avoid foods that present a choking hazard such as nuts, popcorn, raisins, raw vegetables, hot dogs, whole grapes and tough meat. Foods that are known to cause allergic reactions such as peanuts, eggs and fish are often on the list of foods to avoid.
Offer a Variety of Foods
Once your infant begins eating solid food, offer a variety. Try expanding your own horizons if you tend to stick with a small selection of foods. Exposing your child to lots of food at an early age increases the chances of her trying different foods as she grows older.
Handling Picky Eaters
Some infants try any solids placed in front of them, while others prefer only a few items. Continue offering your baby a variety of foods even if she shows signs of picky eating. Offer the same foods multiple times to give her a chance to really try it. But never make an issue of it, as it can cause negative feelings toward eating.
Get Professional Advice
Discuss the transition to solid foods at your baby's routine doctor's visits. Call the doctor if your baby shows any signs of an allergic reaction. Signs that can indicate an allergy include vomiting, rash or diarrhea.
Make Eating Enjoyable
Making meal time enjoyable helps create a positive association with food. Include your baby at the table from the beginning as part of the social aspect of the meal. Dinner time offers a family bonding experience, even for babies.
