1. Ready, Set, Eat
Most babies are ready to start solid baby food between four and six months. Before trying to feed baby any solid food, make sure he can sit up with support and hold his head steady. Babies should also show some interest in food, like watching you as you eat or reaching for food they see. Don't be alarmed if the first few feedings don't amount to much more than a couple of teaspoons of food. Baby may spit the food right back out. It's all part of the learning process.
2. Don't Rush Baby Foods
It is important to wait two to three days in between introducing new foods to babies. This give parents time to see if there is any allergic reaction or intolerance between baby and certain foods. Don't confuse disliking a food with an allergy. Some babies are picky right from the start and may turn their little noses up at squash or peas. However, their taste changes quickly. Try feeding the same foods later on and you may find baby will gobble it down.
3. Homemade Baby Food: It's Easier Than you Think
Because babies eat very small portions, a little homemade food goes a long way. You should steam or microwave fruits and vegetables to preserve vitamins. If foods are too thick, thin with breast milk, formula, 100% fruit juice or water left over from the steaming. To thicken foods try cottage cheese, mashed russet or sweet potatoes or unsweetened yogurt. Babies don't have very advanced palates, so there is no need to add any sugar, salt or other spices to homemade baby food. Freeze baby sized portions in ice cube trays. Store portions in plastic bags in the freezer for up to two months.
4. Some Foods are not for Babies
Babies have delicate digestive systems and certain foods don't agree with little tummies. These include anything hard or crunchy like popcorn, nuts or raisins (which are also choking hazards.) Avoid cow's milk and high citrus fruits like oranges and pineapple too. Dark leafy greens, like spinach and beet greens contain high levels of nitrate, which is okay for older children and adults, but not for babies. Honey is another food to avoid for children under the age of two, because of the chance of infant botulism. This includes any foods with honey in them, such as honey graham crackers.
5. Babies Should Definitely Play With Their Food
Babies who are learning to eat solids make messes. That is part of the fun. Give your baby her own child-safe spoon and bowl to "practice" with. Let her touch the food and rub it all over her face, if that's what pleases her. Remember, they won't always be so messy, so grab a camera and enjoy it!
