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It's a fascinating milestone when your baby is showing signs of being ready to eat solids. There can be moments of you feeling stressed about all the conflicting recommendations you get about what to start your baby on first and what can or cannot be eaten at certain months. While there will be people who may try to impact what you should give your baby, as long as you follow your baby's lead and a few points to guide you, you’ll be able to have a fun and safe time while exploring a range of delicious foods. By following a few guidelines, you’ll be on your way to expand your baby's taste buds.
Many studies show that starting your baby on solids too early can be harmful to their development. Even if you get the green light to start solids at your four-month appointment with your pediatrician, it’s always better to wait until your baby is developmentally and physically ready to handle eating solid foods. Around 6-8 months is the best time to give your baby solid foods safely. You also want to make sure that your baby can sit up on their own, have reasonable head control, and open their mouth when food is served.
Rice cereal has been the first food for many people across generations, but there isn’t any nutritional value or reason why you have to do that with your baby. Many specialists have stated that providing yummy fruits, veggies, and proteins prepared for your baby to eat safely are the best choices when trying out first food. Don’t be afraid to season the food still your serve lightly to give your baby still the flavor experience. Foods like bananas, peas, avocado, and squash are all delicious first foods that are delicious and nutritious. Grains, yogurt, and cheese are also good to introduce to your baby once they are around 7 or 8 months old.
Foods like milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans are connected to the top food allergies, so it’s essential to wait until your baby is at least a year old before introducing them. If there is a family allergy, it’s necessary to tell that information to your pediatrician, especially as you start introducing your baby to solids.
When just starting, it’s more important for your baby to get used to eating solids and holding a spoon. For the first few months, the focus should be able to get your baby used to new flavors and textures until they’re ready to start eating more meals. This also means it's essential for you to continue breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby so they get enough nutrients each day. It’s also helpful to try the meal either an hour or so after a feeding or when your baby is well-rested and in a good mood. It’s also good to try one type of food at a time since the different flavors will be something new for your baby to get used to and learn to enjoy.
You don’t want to start your baby off with anything that can be a choking hazard. It's better to start your baby off with a puree in between a solid and a liquid. Blend some pumpkin up and then add a little bit of breast milk or formula and assist your baby using a spoon. Once your baby starts mastering how to use a spoon and gets more comfortable with food, you can provide thicker portions.
When your baby is trying some new food but then spits it out, don’t be concerned. It may take multiple times of your child trying a type of food before they enjoy it. You can also give your baby foods that you know they will enjoy, along with foods that they’re still getting used to or don’t like. When you’re first starting, it’s not unusual for your baby to reject eating the puree because it tastes new and is a different texture. But it’s always good to try again in a few days until your baby gets familiar with eating solids.
Starting your baby off with solids is an enjoyable experience. However, it’s important to remember to take it at your baby’s pace and still breastfeed regularly to ensure your child is still getting the proper nutrients they need to be strong and grow.
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