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.
You can start solids at any time from four months onwards but no later than six months. By this age, milk alone is not sufficient to meet a baby’s growing nutritional requirements. Experienced parents tend to use their judgement as to when is the right time, with many recognising the signs of readiness. If your child watches you eagerly while you eat, opens its mouth as if preparing to be fed or seems increasingly hungry, it may be worth giving solids a try.
Initially, start with a milk feed, followed by a little rice cereal or pureed fruit, flavoured with breast milk or formula. Your baby may seem nonplussed at first and unsure of what to do with the strange new substance. You will probably find that very little actually gets consumed but that is all part of the process. It may take time and some persistence on your part before your child masters the art of swallowing.
When you first introduce solids to your child, give it to him or her after a liquid feed, to ensure that the adequate amount of milk is still being ingested. Soft rice cereal and boiled, pureed fruit are ideal to start with. It is a good idea to add some formula or breast milk to give the new food a familiar taste.It may take some time for the swallowing reflex to be mastered. The first few feeds will most likely end up all over the child’s face, but with this will improve with practice. When the baby becomes more proficient at eating, you can introduce lumpy items such as bananas, and blend different ingredients.
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.
If you start solids earlier than 6 months, it is a good idea to sterilise feeding equipment, but after this time is not necessary. Wash utensils in hot soapy water, keep all surfaces clean and use a disinfectant spray on the highchair. You will probably find a broom, dustpan and brush to be essential items also!
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.
Good quality commercially produced baby food is widely available and is a great option is you are working or travelling. Check the recommended age on the label and try to buy a variety of meals and ingredients.
Most importantly, feeding time should be about having fun. Babies love playing with food and exploring new tastes and textures, so keep the camera on hand for the classic messy eating shot and enjoy this precious stage.
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