I have started solid foods with my youngest daughter. I started at about 5 1/2 months. She was starting to feed every 1hour and 1/2 so I said enough!!! Although you are supposed to technically wait until the baby reaches 6 months now, but every baby is individual. Her doctor told me that she is the size of an 8 month baby so she may need it a little sooner. When I had my first daughter, we were told we could start solids at 4 1/2 months if all of the criteria were there (she sits up in a high chair, holds her head up, follows food with her eyes, opens her mouth wide when she sees food coming, etc). However, now they have research that says the longer the baby is strictly breastfed (6 months), these babies are supposed to have fewer incidence of illness.
After six months, the baby’s iron stores are depleted, and they need nutrition from elsewhere…not just the breastmilk or formula. If you start feeding your baby too early, their digestive system may not be ready for solids, they may not be able to swallow or they may drink breastmilk/formula less often. If you delay feeding, your baby may not get the nutrients they need, have difficulty learning to accept new foods/textures, have difficulty swallowing foods.
Always offer solid foods after nursing or giving formula. It is meant to compliment breast milk or formula, not replace it for the first year. Start with watery, semi-solid consistency and gradually use less liquid as your baby learns to eat it.
Start with an iron-fortified cereal such as rice, barley or oatmeal to give energy and iron. Always give your baby vegetables first, then fruit, then meat. If they get the fruit first, they may reject the taste of the vegetables because of the sweet taste of the fruit.
I have only done different cereals, as well as butternut squash, sweet potatoe and carrots. I am going to move to the green vegetables this week. Always remember to wait 3 days in between introducing a new food. This is to monitor for a reaction. Offer new foods in the morning or at lunch when the baby is less fussy and any problems will be seen in the day time.
To prevent allergies or food poisoning, DO NOT give egg white or honey until baby is one year old. Also, it is recomended to stay away from nuts and shellfish until the age of 2. Foods most likely to cause a food allergy are eggs, cow’s milk, peanuts, soy, wheat, or fish.
Common allergic reactions include diarrhea, vomitting, skin rash, difficulty breathing, nose itching, or cough.
I decided to write a different sort of blog today, one that was a little more educational, rather than a rant. I hope it was helpful. I know that when you have kids, its very hard to get the answers you need, and you don’t have time to read a big novel. You need quick and easy answers, thats a “light read”. Well, thats what I need, anyways.
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS CONSULT A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER WITH YOUR QUESTIONS. This blog is mother to mother advice only, and may not represent what your healthcare provider might suggest.
Happy Eating!
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