Parenting can be a challenging task and one wrong step towards your baby could lead to a lot of problems. Starting solid food items for your baby means you have achieved a milestone till now but what lies ahead is extremely important.
Introducing food items that are new opens another world for your baby that leads to the development of understanding. Your little one starts grasping the flavors and textures but you need to ensure a smooth transition of the same.
Knowing when to introduce these food items can be tricky. Starting too early or too late both have their own cons. Hence, your safe bet is to start it when your baby is between 4 to 6 months old as this is the ideal time when the nutrition level increases in the body.
Here’s how you can tell that your baby is ready to take solid food items as there will be some definite cues for you to grab:
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When your baby can balance and sit comfortably in one place on his own, it’s a sign that you can start baby food. The upright sitting position will avoid the chances of choking.
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If your baby watches you while you are eating and is mimicking you, then you can let him/her try it too. It’s another cue to take.
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When you feed solid food and if your baby throws it out, chances are he/she is not ready just as yet to begin this journey.
Introducing solid food items is a gradual process and it’s quite okay for your baby to spit it out initially. Here’s how you can do it right:
Feeding With A Spoon
You need to start slow and start feeding your baby with a spoon, one step at a time. You might feel like handing over the spoon to your baby but it can lead to several issues and it’s best if initially, he/she is fed by you.
Start Slow
Start with half a spoon whilst also talking to your kid. It may take a while for your kid to get accustomed to the idea of a spoon but keep following the process. The key is to not force as everyone takes time with changes.
Make it easier for your child by first feeding them with breast milk and then giving them solid food, which is just half a spoon for staters. Finish it with breast milk formula again.
Follow These Tips: Tips For Successfully Bottle Feeding A Preemie – A Parent’s Guide.
Timing
The morning time is the best one to introduce solid food. Slowly work your way up and keep motivating your child as they enjoy solid food.
Baby Solid Food
Now, about introducing your child to food items, make sure there’s a gap of at least three days when you add something new to their diet. For further guidance, don’t forget to check with your pediatrician.
1. Avocados
Avocados are filled with monosaturated fat that is known to have high levels of protein. This is the ideal green food that your baby can consume. Avocados don’t need to be cooked and are bound to keep your baby full for hours.
Recommended age
You can feed it starting the sixth month of your baby.
2. Iron Fortified Cereal
You can start feeding your baby with cereals like rice, oatmeal, and barley as they are soft and easily chewable. Besides that, breast milk is low in iron but this food item is quite helpful. Start with one of the above cereals initially.
Recommended
Babies between four to six months can have it.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a pleasant meal for kids as they help in taste development and do not taste bland. Your baby’s vegan journey stays the best with this puffy food that’s known to be rich in potassium as well as Vitamin C.
Sweet potatoes also include beta-carotene that fights harmful signs of cancer. To feed sweet potatoes, mash them well and make a perfect veggie treat for your little one.
Recommended age
You can start this when your baby is around 6 months old.
4. Bananas
If you didn’t know this, let us tell you that a small bite of banana can bring a huge smile to your baby’s face. It’s easy to mash and the sweet taste of banana lends high levels of nutrition. They are known to be a great source of energy being rich in carbohydrates.
Further, your baby’s bowel system will always be clear due to the levels of fiber in it. They also help underweight babies gain weight.
Check Out These Parents Guide: Tips For Successfully Bottle Feeding A Preemie – A Parent’s Guide.
Recommended age
You can start feeding bananas as your baby turns 4 months as they are quite easy to digest.
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5. Prunes
Also known as dried plums, prunes are a natural cure for constipation. This phenomenon is quite usual and happens when babies move to solid foods. Since prunes include fiber, they are beneficial for your child.
Recommended age
There are no allergy signs and can be given to babies between 4 to 6 months.
There’s no rule book to follow but all you need to do is gauge and analyze what suits your baby. It’s all about balance and discovering diets that your baby enjoys having.