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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Giving Your Child Baby Food Solids

/ On : 12:29 AM

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By Jayde Johannsen


Introducing baby food solids is a fun milestone for both babies and parents. It is a photo opportunity when a baby starts to add new choices to a liquid diet. There are some key rules to keep in mind.

According to the World Health Organization, there is no need to start solids before the age of six months. Formula and/or breast milk should be the sole source of feeding. However, some doctors and parents still tend to start new foods around four months. Hungry four-month-olds often go through growth spurts, crying for feeding more often during the day and waking up at night. However, it should still be possible to get them through the hunger pangs by adding more liquid feedings.

Once your child reaches six months of age, it is time to try out some foods that are healthy and an appropriate texture. The main rule to remember is to give items that are as nutritious as formula or breast milk. You should not replace those sound calories with options that are unhealthy.

Introduce new choices slowly so that you can watch for allergies. Pick a first food, and then wait for two to three days to see if there is reaction. Signs of allergies include rash, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your child seems fine, then try another new food, and wait another two to three days. If your child does react, stop giving the item and call your child's doctor.

A popular first choice is rice cereal. Other options are mashed avocado and banana. You can buy prepared products, or simply mash the fruit yourself and thin it with breast milk or formula. For denser fruits and vegetables, you will need to steam them, cool them off, puree and thin. Make sure not to use whole milk to thin what you prepare. There are books available or recipes online. Some proteins that are possible include chicken, turkey, tofu, and plain whole milk yogurt.

At eight months, your infant can try cheeses, such as cream cheese and even mild cheddar. Always avoid soft cheeses like brie. Other protein options are egg yolks and beef. For fruits, you can try mashed grapes. Do not add salt or sugar during preparation.

Between ten and twelve months, your child may be ready for wheat products. Pasta and bagels are great options. Your child will also likely become even more independent with self-feeding. Only after the first birthday should you introduce cow's milk. Before this time, it can interfere with digestion and iron absorption.

At all of the stages, remember to make sure that you keep the cooking process free of pathogens. Ensure that what you prepare is thin enough for your baby to eat safely and comfortably. Always remember good nutrition.

The frequency of eating solids, like the choices themselves, depends upon age. Between six and eight months, give them two to three times a day. From nine to eleven months, provide another feeding. At the toddler stage between ages one and two, tots can eat three to four times a day, with one or two snacks.

Baby food solids are fun for both baby and parent. It will seem like your child is really joining the family at the dinner table.




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