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ORIGINAL POST:
When your baby is around 4-6 months old you may start offerinf them semi-solid foods. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics babies that are younger than four months old do not have proper control over the muscles in their mouths, offering solids earlier can also lead to food allergy problems and in some instances obesity.
Each baby is different, they will give you clues that they are ready to try solids. These clues are listed below:
Sit with support Control of head (and can refuse food) Take food from a spoon Learn to swallow ________________________________
Getting your baby used to eating solid foods will take time! Remember this is something completely new to them. Do not become frustrated if your baby is a slow learner and does not seem to like solids at first, this is normal.
You should begin by introducing rice cereal. Make the consistancy thicker at first, this makes it easier for baby to eat it from a spoon. Once your baby has mastered eating rice cereal you may try jarred or homemade baby food. The AAP recommends that certain foods such as, beets, spinach, carrots, turnips and collard greens, should be bought and not given homemade because they are high in nitrates.
Here are some additional hints to make the transition to solid foods easier:
* Feed your baby a little breastmilk or formula first, so that he is not too hungry and easily frustrated
* Then only give your baby a few small spoonfuls of cereal and finish filling him up with milk.
* Choose a time during the day when you are not stressed
* Talk to your baby
* Have your baby in an upright position
* Increase the amount of food given gradually
* Do not worry if your baby rejects the food, this is normal, just keep offering it
* If your baby absolutely hates it, don't stress or force the issue, go back to bottle-feeding or nursing and try again in a few days.
* Introduce single ingredient vegetables and fruits one at a time over the course of 3-5 days to test for food allergies
* If you microwave a food ALWAYS stir it and test it first to see if it is too hot.
Solid Foods
As you introduce solid foods you should progress in the following order:
1. Mushy cereals (like rice cereal) 2. Mashed baby food (fruits and vegetables) Good foods to start with include pears, oatmeal, carrots, bananas, sweet potatoes, peaches, squash, and applesauce. Some dietitians recommend yellow fruits and veggies because they are the easiest to start with. 3. Table food chopped for baby
How many times a day should my baby be eating solid food?
In the beginning your baby will be eating solid foods just once a day, but by 8 months your baby should be getting solids 3 times per day.
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