Nutrition Consulting Introducing Solids
| Introducing Solids to Your Baby |
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Introducing solids is an exciting time as your baby starts a new chapter in his or her life but it can also be very confusing with so many contradicting messages & recommendations. Carly's goal is to help make the process less overwhelming so you can enjoy this time and start the path to building a healthy relationship with food for your child! When to Begin Introducing Solids - 4 or 6 Months? Over the last few years, the recommended age to introduce solids into your baby’s diet has shifted from 4 to 6 months. During the first 4 to 6 months, sufficient calories and nutrients are provided from breast milk or formula. Introducing solids too early can increase the risk of infections and allergies since your baby’s immune system is still developing. For breastfed babies, the solid food can interfere with the absorption of iron in the breast milk. As a result, introducing solids to a breastfed baby before he or she is ready can increase the risk of iron deficiency. There are a few physiological and developmental clues to help determine when your baby is ready for solids. If your child exhibits any or all of these signs discuss with your doctor the option of introducing solids before 6 months.
Avoiding Food Allergy Complications Egg whites should be introduced at 1 year to minimize the risk of allergy. At 10 months, yogurt, cottage cheese and grated hard cheese can be introduced - also a great way to get calcium! All dairy products should be 3.25% milk fat or higher to meet your baby’s high-energy needs. If you have a family history of food allergy, wait until your baby is 1 year old before introducing fish and soy foods. Introducing Cow’s Milk Cow’s milk (3.25% milk fat) can be introduced after 10 months old. Some experts recommend waiting until 1 year of age to reduce the potential for an allergic reaction. If breastfeeding, there is no rush, and if formula feeding you may decide you are ready to switch (much less time consuming/preparation!) Single-grain, Iron-fortified Cereal It is important to start with single foods because your baby’s intestinal tract is still developing and is more susceptible to taking in foreign proteins. Start with rice, then move to barley and then oatmeal cereal for 3-7 days each. Mix the cereal with breast milk or formula (it should be runny) and start with 2-3 teaspoons and progress to 2-4 teaspoons, twice per day. Remember, this is a new experience and it is normal if your baby seems completely disinterested at first. This does not mean they will be picky eaters. Be patient and remember they are learning new skills and it could take quite a few tries. Once they can tolerate single-grain cereal, you can introduce mixed cereal. Vegetables & Fruit...In what order? Once cereals have been introduced, it is recommended to start with vegetables instead of fruit so your baby doesn’t get too used to the sweet taste of fruit. Although not proven, we believe this increases the likelihood of your baby enjoying vegetables. Meats & Alternative Protein Foods Usually offered for lunch, start with pureed meat, poultry, fish, cooked egg yolk, mashed tofu and well cooked mashed legumes. Your baby is getting the majority of protein requirements from breast milk or formula so don’t worry if they don’t seem to love the taste of other protein options - can also mix with their favourite vegetable. Other Areas Covered In Consultation Include:
The above is just an introduction. To book your consultation CONTACT CARLY.
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