Starting Solids
When a baby reaches the six-month mark, it’s time to start introducing solid foods. According to the Academy of Pediatrics, infants can begin solid foods between four and six months of age, but they are not required to start solids until they are six months old. It can seem to be a daunting task at first, but it is easier than you might think.
Most parents choose rice cereal as their baby’s first food. The reason is that it is relatively easy to digest, and few people are allergic to it. Rice cereal should be mixed with water or milk so that it is thin in consistency. Start with just one or two teaspoons and then work your way up to one or two tablespoons. It is a good idea to offer cereal every day because it is fortified with iron, an important mineral for growing babies.
It is very important to introduce new foods one at a time. You should always wait at least three days before introducing another new food to your baby, so that you can see if he or she has any adverse reaction to the food. All foods should be pureed to avoid choking hazards. Some good foods to start with are apples, pears, bananas, potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. You can mix fruit or vegetable with cereal once they have each been introduced separately.
Making your own baby food is quick and easy. Many food, like avocados, can simply be mashed with a fork. Other foods only need to be steamed and them run through a food mill or food processor. There are also small-size food grinders and food processors that are specifically designed for making baby food. Serving homemade baby food to your child ensures that you know exactly what is in it.
Introducing your baby to solid foods can be a fun and exciting new experience if you approach it as such.
Sammi enjoys working in her gardens with her children. She grows a large variety of vegetables, such as asparagus plants and onion plants.
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