baby ’ s first foods
INTRODUCING SOLIDS
Starting Solids Sensibly
Baby basics aren ’ t always so basic , just when you think you ’ ve mastered milk feeds , there ’ s a new bump in the road … introduction to solids . Around 6 months , breastmilk or formula alone no longer meets the nutritional requirements of your baby . At this stage milk remains the primary food source , however the addition of solids is necessary in order to fi ll the gaps of specifi c nutrients that are now needed in greater quantities .
Getting off to a good start
Introducing solids is determined by your baby ’ s
stage of development , rather than age alone . Between 4 and 6 months your baby will start showing signs of readiness .
How to know if baby is ready
Good head and neck control
Sitting upright with support ( e . g . Sitting upright in a feeding chair )
Showing interest in food , watching as food enters your mouth or reaching out for your food
Opens his / her mouth when offered food No longer has an extrusion refl ex ( tongue thrust )
WHAT to feed WHEN
MILK :
4-6months : Your baby still needs the same amount of milk ; continue breastfeeding on demand or give 3-4 hourly formula feeds . 6-9months : Milk is still the most important food source but it can be decreased to 800ml which is equivalent to about 3-4 feeds daily and 1-2 night feeds . 9-12months : Milk is no longer the most important food source . It should be given after food , slowly decreasing to 600ml daily .
SOLIDS :
- Unlikely food allergens such as vegetables , fruit , meat and
most grains can regularly be included in your baby ’ s diet without concern for adverse reactions . Introduce these new foods daily . - New foods that are common allergens ( wheat , eggs , fi sh ,
By Michele Mandis and Robyn Rose of Mandis & Rose Dietitians See their directory listing on page 28 for more information
Some things to remember 1
It is important to feed your baby when both you and your baby are relaxed and happy .
2 Seat your baby in a feeding chair and , where possible , try to eat together as a family . Your infant should never be left unattended during mealtimes .
3 Give 1-2 teaspoons of food to start with , increase quantity according to hunger . Let your baby ’ s appetite guide you , do not force or restrict intake .
4 Don ’ t be discouraged if your baby refuses new foods as it may take up to 15 tastes or more before your baby likes a new food .
5 To aid with acceptance of new foods , during meal times allow your baby to touch and “ play ” with food in its solid form .
6 To save time , cook in bulk and freeze left-overs . It is your responsibility as a parent to provide your
baby with a healthy balanced diet , teaching them lifelong healthy habits . You decide what your baby can eat , while your baby dictates how much .
Access a week-to-week guide for introducing solids on the online version of this article . Go to www . thelittlepages . co . za / blog
dairy & nuts ) should be introduced one at a time , waiting 3-4 days before introducing the next new food . This allows time to detect potential reactions . - If your baby has a known food allergy or if your family has a history of food allergies , we recommend you consult with your paediatrician before introducing these foods . - When introducing solids , water should be added to your baby ’ s diet . Water should not replace the intake of milk . It should be offered before and after each meal . Other than milk , water is the only additional liquid given to quench thirst . - Your baby does not need added salt and sugar . Adding these will overwhelm your baby ’ s delicate palate and prevents them from enjoying foods for their natural fl avour - Any foods which could lead to choking ( e . g . nuts or whole grapes ) should not be given at this early stage . - Honey is another food which should not be added until one year of age due to the risk of botulism infection . - A diverse diet is important ; try to include a variety within each food group .
11