Introducing Baby Food Solids To Your Child
baby
The transition from a milk only diet to one which includes solid foods is an exciting event for parents of young babies. Whether you choose to buy ready made food or cook your own, it is important to ensure that you offer your child nutritionally balanced meals which are appropriate for his or her developmental stage. baby food solids are easy to prepare or buy and will give your little one all the nutrients required for growth and good health.
Most babies start solids at about 6 months, but some parents choose to introduce them earlier. 4 – 6 months is the recommended time frame, but don’t delay any longer, or you risk depriving your child of vital nutrients, notably iron. Babies develop at different rates, and some are ready to start solid food earlier than others. If your child looks interested in your food, can sit upright in a bouncer or stroller and doesn’t seems completely satisfied after feeds, it may be ready.
Signs that your baby is ready for solids include showing an interest in the food you eat, maybe reaching for it and attempting to mouth it. Some parents find that children who previously slept well at night, become restless and take this as an indication that they are hungry and require supplementation to their diet. It is important that your child is old enough to hold his or her own head up, while in a supported sitting position.
Don’t be disappointed if baby doesn’t seem too enthusiastic about the idea. It may take some time to learn the technique of swallowing and you will probably find that there is a lot more food on the face and the bib than actually gets consumed. This is a great moment to take that messy eating shot, so invaluable in embarrassing your child later in life.
As your baby grows, it is important to introduce different tastes and textures, so try lumpier items, such as mashed bananas, finely blended meat and rice. You can also start mixing different ingredients together.
The next step is to progress from spoon feeding to independent eating, usually at 8-9 months. Finger food can now be offered, and many babies take to this with relish. Small pieces of cheese or soft fruit, pasta shapes and sandwiches are ideal choices. Nuts, popcorn and other hard foods are potentially dangerous and best avoided and always stay with a child during meals, in case of choking.
For a very young baby, you should sterilise all feeding utensils and equipment, but after 6 months just try to keep everything clean and hygienic. You will need to wipe down the high chair regularly, so have a disinfectant spray handy and be prepared to sweep and even mop the surrounding floor area several times a day.
If you prefer to make all meals yourself, simply boil ingredients and puree with a kitchen whizz or stick blender. Once your child is able to chew and cope with lumps, you can mash instead and by one year of age, you only need to chop items into small pieces. Many parents prefer the convenience of ready made food, which is widely available and can be bought in supermarkets.
Don’t forget to have fun with your baby while feeding. Play peek-a-boo games, read books, sing songs and take every opportunity to interact with your little one while he or she is in the high chair. This precious stage goes disappears frighteningly fast, so enjoy every moment and make it special for both of you.
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