Foods To Eat In Early Life

For most babies, breast milk is the best food source the first six months of their lives. Breast milk is loaded with important nutrients and strengthens babies' immune systems. At the 6-month mark -- and in some cases at the 4-month mark -- you will begin the task of introducing solid foods into your child's diet, notes KidsHealth from Nemours. Knowing what -- and how -- to serve your baby these foods is essential to promote proper growth and development.

The First Solid Food

You may notice that your baby is taking an interest in your food, but talk with your child's doctor before introducing solids. Once you've gotten the okay, the first solid foods you will be serving your baby are infant cereals fortified with iron. You will mix these cereals, which are usually rice-based, with breast milk or baby formula. Although the mixture will be mostly milk or formula in the beginning, you will use less liquid over time as your baby becomes accustomed to the food. Serve the cereal with a spoon from the beginning, even if the mixture is quite runny.

Veggies and Fruits

You can introduce your infant to veggies and fruits once he is comfortable with consuming the cereal. It's vital that you do not offer new foods all at once so that you can determine what, if any, foods may cause an allergic reaction. Allow three to five days to pass in between introducing new foods, advises the American Dietetic Association. Choose veggies and fruits that are easily mashed or pureed to make consumption easier and safer for your baby. Good options include squash, applesauce, beets, bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots and peaches. Do not add sugar to the food, and don't offer citrus fruits, as these can cause severe diaper rash due to the acidic content.

Meat and Poultry

Traditionally, meat and poultry were not given to infants until they were accustomed to eating fruits and vegetables. The American Dietetic Association reports, however, that pureed meat and poultry can be introduced at the same time as veggies and fruits. In fact, doing so can provide essential nutrients like zinc and iron to your child. Stick with lean cuts of meat and poultry that is pureed in the beginning; over time, you can introduce finely chopped meat or poultry as your baby's skills progress. Due to the high rate of fish and seafood allergies, do not give them to your child until she reaches the age of 2 or 3, says KidsHealth from Nemours.

Snacks

You may be wondering if it's okay to introduce snacks into your baby's diet. While limiting snacking is wise so that your baby has room for nutrient-dense meals, choosing healthy snacks will help plant the seeds for good nutrition as your child gets older. You can introduce certain finger foods between the ages of 8 months and a year old; they should be mashed or easily melt in the baby's mouth at first, such as banana. By age 1, your baby will likely be able to handle dairy foods made from cow's milk, so very thin slices of cheese and small pieces of bread or low-sodium plain crackers can make good snacks. And while infants cannot have honey due to its potential to cause botulism in babies, after your child turns 1, you may allow it. Other snacks with high allergy rates, such as peanut butter and tree nuts, should not be given until your child is 2 or 3, states KidsHealth from Nemours. It's vital that you monitor your baby when eating all foods, especially when introducing larger solid foods, to ensure he can handle the new textures.