Introducing solid foods is a big step for new moms and can be quite confusing. Here are some common questions new moms may have about introducing solids.
Is my baby ready for solid foods?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for baby during the first six months of life. Below are a few milestones your baby should reach before starting solid food:
- Baby can sit in high chair with good head control
- Baby watches you eat, reaches for your food and seems eager to be fed
- If you offer a spoon of food and baby pushes it out of its mouth; he may not have the ability to move it to the back of his mouth to swallow. If this happens- try to dilute food with breast milk or water or wait a week or two and try again.
Sounds like my baby is ready. What should I feed them first?
Traditionally single-grain cereals are introduced first; however there is no medical evidence that introducing solid foods in any particular order is advantageous for baby. This website has tons of great recipes, nutrition information and pointers on how to prepare homemade baby food.
Are there any foods I should avoid?
What to Expect has a great list of food to avoid. This includes nuts, egg whites, honey, cow’s milk, wheat, juice, shellfish, strawberries and chocolate. These foods can be introduced later, please check with your pediatrician for when these can be safely introduced.
What were your babies’ first foods?
With my first we attempted organic brown rice cereal right at six months. This did not go well; she hated it. We went back to breast milk for few weeks and tried sweet potatoes next time she had solids. Our second was 7.5 months before we gave him solid food and he started with homemade sweet potatoes.
How do you make sweet potatoes for your baby?
Preheat oven to 400* F. Wash and poke holes in sweet potatoes and wrap in foil; bake in oven until soft (30-60 minutes). Puree in blender mixed with water or breast milk for desired consistency. Drop spoonfuls onto cookie sheet to freeze. Once frozen put into Ziploc bags to store in freezer until ready to eat. Thaw and serve.
What was your baby’s first food? What would you do differently with your next child?
Kristen Beggs is a mom of two who enjoyed watching her babies take their first bite.
Tags: avocado, baby food, baby led weaning, first foods, recipes, rice cereal, sweet potato
