Most moms said that they started introducing puree at about 6 months and in about 8 months would introduce baby-led weaning such as finger food, using food that have handles like banana and broccoli spears, making sure that they are suitable for the age of your baby.
Baby Basics sponsored by Walmart we talked about weaning and introducing solid foods this week at Baby Basics momstown Guelph. Most moms said that they started introducing puree at about 6 months and in about 8 months would introduce baby-led weaning such as finger food, using food that have handles like banana and broccoli spears, making sure that they are suitable for the age of your baby. Some moms also said they worried about choking or gagging as long as babies can sit upright and can handle their own food and move it back and forth in their mouth they should be fine but keeping a eye on them is best. A lot of mom’s said they introduced food one at a time and in small amounts to see how they do with it and it may take a bit for your baby to get us to new flavors and textures. Don’t be surprised if he rejects the food and spits it out. Just try again another time that day or the next day. Just remember it will take time for them to learn how to ea. As they learn more of a side to side, grinding motion, add less liquid to their food so the texture will be thicker, with chunkier, soft lumps this allows baby to work on chewing, or gumming and swallowing. Mom’s said that at first there babies just played with the food and grasped it and put it in their mouth and sucked on it and that’s ok they will get the hang of it soon enough.
For baby's first intro into solid foods, most parents say they start with 1 teaspoon of single-grain, iron-fortified baby cereal (such as rice cereal) mixed with 4-5 teaspoons of breast milk, formula, breast milk. Once they get the hang of cereal, you can introduce pureed veggies, fruits, and meats. It’s recommends to trying one new food at a time and waiting at least 2-3 days before starting another to monitor any allergic reactions. Once she reaches 9-12 months old, your baby might enjoy small portions of finely chopped or mashed finger foods such as dry cereal or mashed graham crackers
Here are some great ideas for first foods to try, non pureed of course:
- banana
- avacado, halved and sliced
- a strip of chicken or other meat (they love the juices!)
- pasta noodles (the spiral kind makes it easier to grab)
- cooked carrot sticks
- pancakes, French toast
- a large strawberry, with the leaves removed
- bread, with cheese or meat or both
Books from WalMart that may help parents
