The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the introduction of solid food at about 6 months of age. The introduction to solid food is a very important step in your baby’s development. Making baby food is a great way to make sure that your baby is getting the best in quality, nutrition, and taste.
Fruits and Vegetables-One at a Time
As you start to introduce solid food, it is very important to watch out for allergic reactions to new foods. It is best to introduce foods slowly. There is really no reason to rush. You can simply follow the “One at a Time” plan: feed only one food to your baby for 3 to 5 days. This will allow enough time to see whether your baby has any allergies to the food. Once you know that your baby does not react to a food, you can move on to another one.
Food Allergies
You should discuss any food allergies in your family with your healthcare provider before giving solid food to your baby. A family history of food allergies may put your baby at higher risk. This just means that you may have to try foods in a different order.
If you notice any of these signs, stop feeding your baby the new food. Describe the signs to your healthcare provider. If she believes that a food allergy is the cause, be sure she writes it on your baby’s health chart at her office. Most allergic reactions in babies are temporary. The problem foods can usually be reintroduced when the baby is a little older.
One way that may prevent food allergies is to delay foods that are known to cause allergic reactions. You can try them when your baby is older. Here is a list of the foods that cause allergies most commonly.
Wait until after 12 months to introduce:
Wait until after 3 years to introduce:
Steer clear of processed foods until your baby is at least 12 months old. These foods can contain additives, artificial colors, and preservatives. These ingredients can cause allergic reactions in babies.
Foods Not Good For Babies
There are many choices of tasty, healthy foods for your baby, but not all foods are baby-friendly. Here are some foods that are not good for your baby.
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Sugar, high fructose corn syrup, salt and caffeine |
Delay introducing as long as possible |
Avoid foods that contain these items as main ingredients. |
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High nitrate foods |
Introduce over 8 months |
Beets, carrots, green beans, spinach, and collard greens. Also hot dogs, ham, bologna, sausages, salami, and many other deli meats. |
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Foods that can contain disease- causing bacteria |
Introduce over 12 months |
Honey, un-pasteurized foods (i.e. apple cider), blue cheese, brie, and raw fish. |
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Frequent allergens |
Introduce over 12 months, possibly much later |
Berries, chocolate, citrus fruits, cow’s milk, egg whites, fish and shellfish, nuts, peanuts, and tomatoes. Processed foods with additives, coloring agents, and preservatives |
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Choking hazards |
Introduce at 2-3 years |
Nuts (other than finely ground); peanut butter; caramel; candy; gum; whole grapes; raw, hard fruits and veggies; chunks of meat; pieces of bacon; hot dogs; sunflower seeds; popcorn; raisins; potato chips; and hard candy. |
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Hot foods |
Introduce after 2-3 years |
All foods should be served cold, at room temperature, or slightly warm. |
Mealtime Tips for Feeding
Baby food can be served cool, at room temperature, or slightly heated. Always test the temperature of food before feeding it to your baby. If you use a microwave to warm food, stir the food thoroughly before testing the temperature.
When you first start feeding your baby, plan on sitting with him and offering food for about 20 minutes at each meal. It is okay if your baby does not finish his meal. Sometimes he will eat a lot, sometimes only a little. Don’t panic, this is normal. Your baby will let you know when he is done- common signs include:
Choking can occur when your baby is introduced to solid foods. Protect your baby from choking hazards by:
How much is enough?
When you begin solid foods, amount is not as important as variety. Don’t worry if your baby is eating only a few spoonfuls of food at first. This is normal. Over the next few months, your baby will begin to eat more solid food. When she reaches 12 to 18 months, she’ll be eating a combination of milk (either breast milk or cow’s milk) and solid foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides the guidelines below for a baby’s minimum daily food intake at about 12 to 18 months.
