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The developmental milestones our infants cross as they grow into babyhood get more and more exciting as they learn to interact with mama a bit more with every step. As parents we get all fired up when it’s time to start feeding baby solids. Mostly we’re excited as it’s another sign that this baby is growing and will land on his/her own two feet someday.
There are, though, many parents who are apprehensive about what to feed their baby and when.
When should I begin to feed my baby?
Some experts say when a baby first cuts a tooth (for some babies that might only be around four months), some say six months, and others suggest exclusive breastfeeding until nine months to a year of age.
Here’s what I suggest:
• breastfeed for as long as possible and continue to do so while baby is eating solids
• watch for babies cues (grabbing your fork, reaching for your food, drinking from a cup)
• take into consideration age and teeth
• follow your mama instinct
What foods do I start with?
Mild vegetables are a great place to start .When my first daughter was born nearly seven years ago, her first food was brown rice porridge, followed up by oatmeal, then bananas, and on to more vegetables and fruit. I have since learned that waiting on the grains until baby is closer to a year is helpful in warding off any potential sensitivity as they need a little more time for their gastrointestinal system to mature.
Vegetables: I have also learned as a parent that it’s probably best to introduce vegetables before fruits as we all gravitate toward sweets when given the opportunity. We are developing their pallet, so to speak, and if we introduce only sweet fruits and grains, they may decide vegetables aren’t worth their liking. Avocado is a great first food. High in good fat, it is creamy, has a nice texture and is easy for mom and dad to mash up. Green beans, peas and squash are great to introduce as well.
Fruits: When you do move on to fruits, apples, pears and peaches each have a nice taste and texture. You can peel and softly sautéed, then cool these fruits before serving. Avoid berries until closer to a year as well.
Grains: When you get to introducing grains, begin first with whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa and oats. There is no need to add anything other than breastmilk or formula to water it down, and no need for any spices either.
Combinations: What is nice about making baby food is that it’s all pureed and you can really mix anything together. I wanted my children to really enjoy quality whole foods so I wasn’t shy about mixing avocado with banana or peas with pears. To this day I have children that will eat what is served them.
Dairy: I do suggest avoiding dairy until closer to twelve months as well to avoid sensitivities. Good first dairy foods include plain whole milk yogurt and goat’s milk or whole cow’s milk. Babies and young children need full fat dairy products to help grow their brains. Do NOT give skim milk or soy milk to your baby, there are so few nutrients there for them.
Pay attention to what you’re feeding your baby by keeping a running list or calendar for the first few weeks or months so you know when you have introduced something new in the event you see a rash, bloating or gas develop.
How much do I feed my baby?
When you first begin feeding your baby it will only be a taste or two. That will grow into a tablespoon, then a bit more, and a bit more. You will know what they need, and if you don’t, consult with your health care provider for more specific guidelines for your wee one.
Here’s another thing to think about. I have seen many people begin solids and cut down or out the amount of formula or breastmilk the baby gets. I highly suggest continuing the formula or breastmilk until baby is full, then offer the solids. Over time, the amount of solids will go up and the formula and/or breastmilk will begin to wane.
Neither of my girls stopped breastfeeding until after 2 ½ years, and they were nursing multiple times a day while eating solids until at least 1 ½ years of age, though this will be different for everybody.
Because I breastfed and once my girls were having a bite of food more than once per day, their eating schedule looked a little like this:
Breakfast: solids after nursing
Nurse every 2-4 hours
Lunch: solids after nursing
Nurse every 2-4 hours
Dinner: solids after nursing
Nurse before bedtime
Once this schedule had been established and we were at a year of age, we were also eating mid morning and mid afternoon snacks.
Food allergies are becoming more and more prevalent in that our food is being grown in nutrient depleted soil, it’s more highly processed and genetically modified than ever before, and we wonder why it seems everyone we know is now gluten intolerant. Babies are a good gauge for letting us know what foods are and are not working for their little bodies.
Signs and symptoms of a food not agreeing with baby:
• Rash anywhere on the body
• Sniffles and/or coughing within minutes or hours after eating
• Bloated belly
• Inconsolable crying
• Gas
• Vomiting
If you see any of these signs or symptoms in or on your baby, take a look at the solids fed within the past week and eliminate any potential foods that may be causing the discomfort. Seek medical care if you feel the need.
There are, though, many parents who are apprehensive about what to feed their baby and when.
When should I begin to feed my baby?
Some experts say when a baby first cuts a tooth (for some babies that might only be around four months), some say six months, and others suggest exclusive breastfeeding until nine months to a year of age.
Here’s what I suggest:
• breastfeed for as long as possible and continue to do so while baby is eating solids
• watch for babies cues (grabbing your fork, reaching for your food, drinking from a cup)
• take into consideration age and teeth
• follow your mama instinct
What foods do I start with?
Mild vegetables are a great place to start .When my first daughter was born nearly seven years ago, her first food was brown rice porridge, followed up by oatmeal, then bananas, and on to more vegetables and fruit. I have since learned that waiting on the grains until baby is closer to a year is helpful in warding off any potential sensitivity as they need a little more time for their gastrointestinal system to mature.
Vegetables: I have also learned as a parent that it’s probably best to introduce vegetables before fruits as we all gravitate toward sweets when given the opportunity. We are developing their pallet, so to speak, and if we introduce only sweet fruits and grains, they may decide vegetables aren’t worth their liking. Avocado is a great first food. High in good fat, it is creamy, has a nice texture and is easy for mom and dad to mash up. Green beans, peas and squash are great to introduce as well.
Fruits: When you do move on to fruits, apples, pears and peaches each have a nice taste and texture. You can peel and softly sautéed, then cool these fruits before serving. Avoid berries until closer to a year as well.
Grains: When you get to introducing grains, begin first with whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa and oats. There is no need to add anything other than breastmilk or formula to water it down, and no need for any spices either.
Combinations: What is nice about making baby food is that it’s all pureed and you can really mix anything together. I wanted my children to really enjoy quality whole foods so I wasn’t shy about mixing avocado with banana or peas with pears. To this day I have children that will eat what is served them.
Dairy: I do suggest avoiding dairy until closer to twelve months as well to avoid sensitivities. Good first dairy foods include plain whole milk yogurt and goat’s milk or whole cow’s milk. Babies and young children need full fat dairy products to help grow their brains. Do NOT give skim milk or soy milk to your baby, there are so few nutrients there for them.
Pay attention to what you’re feeding your baby by keeping a running list or calendar for the first few weeks or months so you know when you have introduced something new in the event you see a rash, bloating or gas develop.
How much do I feed my baby?
When you first begin feeding your baby it will only be a taste or two. That will grow into a tablespoon, then a bit more, and a bit more. You will know what they need, and if you don’t, consult with your health care provider for more specific guidelines for your wee one.
Here’s another thing to think about. I have seen many people begin solids and cut down or out the amount of formula or breastmilk the baby gets. I highly suggest continuing the formula or breastmilk until baby is full, then offer the solids. Over time, the amount of solids will go up and the formula and/or breastmilk will begin to wane.
Neither of my girls stopped breastfeeding until after 2 ½ years, and they were nursing multiple times a day while eating solids until at least 1 ½ years of age, though this will be different for everybody.
Because I breastfed and once my girls were having a bite of food more than once per day, their eating schedule looked a little like this:
Breakfast: solids after nursing
Nurse every 2-4 hours
Lunch: solids after nursing
Nurse every 2-4 hours
Dinner: solids after nursing
Nurse before bedtime
Once this schedule had been established and we were at a year of age, we were also eating mid morning and mid afternoon snacks.
Food allergies are becoming more and more prevalent in that our food is being grown in nutrient depleted soil, it’s more highly processed and genetically modified than ever before, and we wonder why it seems everyone we know is now gluten intolerant. Babies are a good gauge for letting us know what foods are and are not working for their little bodies.
Signs and symptoms of a food not agreeing with baby:
• Rash anywhere on the body
• Sniffles and/or coughing within minutes or hours after eating
• Bloated belly
• Inconsolable crying
• Gas
• Vomiting
If you see any of these signs or symptoms in or on your baby, take a look at the solids fed within the past week and eliminate any potential foods that may be causing the discomfort. Seek medical care if you feel the need.
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Nhirsch@MyHealthyBeginning.com | 612-418-3801 | Minneapolis, MN