Should you or shouldn't you have a chart for feeding your baby? Some parents wait for their baby to let them know when they are hungry while others stand by very strict guidelines or schedules. Then they choose a schedule at the time of introducing solids to their baby.
Feeding Baby Solids and Formula
When feeding baby solid foods, experts just can't agree and it seems they've gone back and forth on when to make the switch over throughout the years. How is a parent to decide, especially when
each expert has their own study to back up their findings. Some say that introducing solids to a baby too soon can put their baby at risk of food allergies. The only thing a parent can
really do is read as many articles on the subject as necesary until they feel comfortable with their decision. If you opt on the side of caution with regard to allergies, experts suggest not giving these foods:
Baby Foods To Avoid
These foods can cause an allergic reaction or digestive issues.
- Eggs (especially the whites)
- Cow's milk
- Soy
- Peanuts or peanut butter
- Wheat
- Shellfish - lobster, prawns, crab and shrimp
- Gluten - contained in wheat, oats and barley
- Cinnamon
- Chocolate
- Pork
- Berries - especially strawberries (but blueberries are NOT considered highly allergenic)
- Corn
- Fish - particularly plaice, tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines
- Sesame seeds/sesame oil
- Citrus fruits - orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime and tangerine
- Yeast
- Tomatoes
Introducing Solid Food
First and most important, breastfeeding baby should continue when first introducing foods, unless formula feeding. If you do feed your baby formula, mix up a little with the first foods.
When feeding a baby, first test all warmed foods for a comfortable eating temperature before serving. Heating baby food in a microwave is convenient, but be sure to check the temperature very carefully.
Use microwave-safe dishes and stir food from the center out after heating to ensure the temperature is even.
When babies begin to eat solid foods, do not give the child small, hard foods.
Remember, baby should always eat and drink in an upright position.
Avoid propping bottle when feeding baby.
First Finger Foods
Generally, babies become interested in finger foods anywhere from 6 to 9 months of age, although most babies tend to start at around 8 months.
By this stage, your baby is usually developing the "pincer grip" - i.e. grasping objects between the thumb and index finger. Finger feeding actually encourages this development and helps with hand-to-mouth co-ordination - after all, a tasty morsel of food is a great incentive!
Baby Foods To Avoid
Foods That can cause choking with your baby.
- Nuts
- Raisins - wait until your baby has teeth and is chewing well
- Large chunks of fruit or vegetables, raw or cooked
- Large chunks of meat
- Popcorn
- Whole grapes or cherry tomatoes - always cut into quarters
- Seeds
**Never give a baby under a year old honey! Honey can contain botulism spores which can grow and produce life-threatening toxins.
Favorite First Foods
- rice cereal
- sweet potatoes
- peaches
- applesauce
- pears
- barley cereal
- avocados
- bananas
- carrots
- squash
