Baby’s First Foods: How to Introduce Solids
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BREAST MILK OR IRONFORTIFIED BABY FORMULA In the first stage of their lives, babies meet their nutritional needs with breast milk or iron-fortified baby formula until they are approximately six months old. Many experts recommend that all babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. Mother’s milk is enough to allow development and growth at this stage. In this case, your pediatrician may recommend a vitamin D supplement for your baby. At around four to six months of age, babies to imitate their parents’ feeding habits. At this time, the baby may be ready for complementary foods. But sometimes, babies are ready for solid food just before this age when they have good neck and head control to eat, as well as they can sit in a high-legged chair.
STARTING SOLID FOODS
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children begin to eat foods without the need for a certain order. Although children can eat solid foods at about 6 months old, when already they are 7 or 8 months old, they can eat a variety of foods such as fruits, grains, vegetables, meat, cheese, and other foods.
HOW SHOULD I INTRODUCE SOLID FOOD TO MY BABY? When the time is right, start feeding your baby iron-fortified infant cereal. Rice is a traditional cereal that has been introduced to babies. Then, you can start with 1 or 2 tablespoons of cereal porridge mixed with breast milk, formula, or water. Besides, mashed meat rich in iron is another good option.
IRON AND ZINC On the other hand, iron and zinc are essential nutrients in the second half of your baby’s first year. These nutrients are found in meat puree and ironfortified single-grain cereals.
MAKE SURE THE BABY DOES NOT HAVE AN ALLERGIC REACTION. Similarly, at this stage, solid foods should be given after breastfeeding, not before. Thus, breast milk will fill your baby’s stomach. When your baby gets used to eating his first food, introduce other foods such as fruit purees, vegetables, legumes (such as beans or lentils), or yogurt. Wait a few days before introducing new food to make sure the baby does not have an allergic reaction.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CALL YOUR TRUSTED PROFESSIONALS ONÂ PINEVILLE PEDIATRICS AND BALLANTYNE PEDIATRICIAN.
THANK YOU!
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