Starting your baby on solid foods is definitely one of the most unforgettable milestones both for you and your baby. This is the time when you would realize that your baby has indeed grown up and is now ready to be more like a "real person" eating something solid like you and your partner. Before you start feeding your baby though, make sure that you are equipped with the proper knowledge on how to do it. There's tons of books on the subject, and I'm sure you will get plenty of ideas from family and friends, but here's a few tips to help you out.
Below is a list of some valuable parenting tips on what to feed your baby in regards to their first venture with solid foods. Go through them and learn more about how to handle this new stage you are entering with your little one.
Breast milk or Infant Formula is Still the Main Source of Nutrition
Your baby's nutritional needs can all be supplied by breast milk or infant formula for as long as six-twelve months so you don't really have to worry about feeding your kid too soon. However, when your child reaches six months, they'll probably start showing an interest in other foods and these other nutrients can help support their growth and development. This is why it's a good idea to introduce solid foods to your baby when he or she is at this age (or when they show an interest in it) and can hold her head steady on her own.
Do not be misled though, because even when your baby has already started on solids, this does not mean that you should wean them from breast milk or formula. Solids are only going to function as "supplements" to milk. Milk will still be their primary source of nutrition until they turn one.
First Foods
Cereals are great first solid foods for baby. They can be prepared in the same consistency as milk. Only difference is that you are going to use a spoon to get them into your baby's mouth. Mashed vegetables like squash and potatoes are great foods for your starter too. They are a little bit sweet and their colors may attract your baby's attention.
When you are offering a new food, feed it to your baby for two or three days in a row. This may help you detect easier if he or she has allergies to certain food. Never mix ingredients unless you are sure that your baby is not allergic to any of the individual ingredients. It is not recommended to add much seasoning to your little ones' food either.
Other Practices to Avoid
Your baby may also be started with juice. However, one thing you should not do is to let your baby take a nap with the bottle of juice still in her mouth. Just the same thing with formula milk, putting your baby down for a nap with a bottle of juice may create sugar pool into her mouth which may lead to cavities. You would not want to create tooth problems this early, right? It's also a good idea to water the juice down so it's not so acidic.
These are but a few parenting tips on starting your baby with solids but they are definitely valuable. Taking them into careful consideration will definitely help you and your kid get to a healthier and happier future.
