Introducing Baby to Solids

When do I start solids? 2 sits with support holds head steady able to keep food in mouth and swallow baby shows interest in food and eating usually between 4-6 months of age

Are there dangers of feeding too early? 3 may trigger allergies may be linked to diabetes can not digest solids yet nutritionally not necessary

How about feeding too late? 4  rejection of solids  strong attachment to bottle  may be linked to diabetes

First Food 5  Infant single grain rice cereal fortified with iron  Mix with breast milk or formula  Should be consistency of cream  Feed with spoon  Do not add cereal to bottle

What food is best to serve next? 6 pureed veggies and fruits start with vegetables 5-7 months sit up without support beginning to chew Why? Babies are more likely to reject less sweet foods like vegetables if sweet things like fruits are introduced first.

Add one new food at a time 7 Why? Detection of allergic reactions: rash on skin including diaper rash diarrhea gas wheezing runny nose  can try food again later in a month or so

What are the most common food allergies? 8 eggs wheat nuts and peanuts chocolate cow’s milk citrus strawberriesshellfish

What age is it okay to give meat? months…protein foods grasp & hold onto things pureed meats pureed and strained beans cooked egg yolk mashed & thinned cottage cheese plain yogurt

How to make homemade baby food 10  baby food grinder or blender  cooked veg, fruit or meat  add formula, breast milk or water  thin consistency  do not add anything else to food!

Do not serve homemade: 11  carrots  spinach  beets  turnips  collard greens before 6 months of age!

Purchased baby food 12 choose single ingredient selections watch out for fillers avoid foods with water as #1 ingredient listen for jar lid to pop or click check expiration date do not feed from jar

Do not give: 13  Artificial sweeteners  unpasteurized dairy, juice  caffeine containing drinks  herbal tea  alcohol  vitamin supplements other than MD Rx  sushi

No Honey!!! 14 ! Never ! Never give your baby honey ! Foods made with honey Can cause serious type of food poisoning or even death

Move on to texture… 15 signs of readiness for texture……  baby can sit up well without support  uses gums/teeth to chew  usually around 7 months

What can babies easily choke on? 16 hot dogs nuts & seeds popcorn chips grapes raisins raw vegetables peanut butter

Is it okay to give juice? 17 juice can have more calories per ounce than sodas!!! dilute juice with half water starting at age 6 months ok in cup diluted 2 ounces (1/4 cup) juice per day only

Summary

Thank you for attending today’s class!