When Can Babies Start Eating Baby Food; Useful Tips for Moms
When can babies start eating baby food? Rice, oatmeal, and barley have you set a date? You have already received too much information from your family and friends, and now you are confused. Here is the information which helps you to prepare for your baby’s transition to baby food.
Solids are a big step for babies. Find out when and how to make the transition from breast to baby food.
When can babies start eating baby food
Giving a baby his/her first solid is a significant milestone. Breast-milk and formula is the only food your baby needs for the first six months after birth. But most babies are ready to eat baby food as a complement of baby formula and breastfeeding by the age of 4 to 6 months. At this time, babies are habitual to swallow instead of using the tongue to push food out of the mouth. In addition to the age also look for other signs too. These are as follow
- Is your baby mouthing his/her toys or hands?
- Can a baby hold his head up in a straight upright position without any spot?
- Can your baby sit without the aid of any spot?
- Does your baby show a desire for food by opening his/her mouth?
If you get yes answers to all those above questions, then you can supplement your baby’s liquid diet.
How to introduce baby food
Let your child have one food at first. It helps you to know about your baby on any allergic reaction. Wait three to five days for every new food before you know that your child is on his/her way of eating a variety of delicious meals.
The most eight allergenic baby foods are eggs, nuts, wheat, soybean, and fish. You should be very careful and consult with your doctor if you have a family history of these food allergies.
Foods to serve your baby
Moms often asked when my baby has cereal? This is the time to introduce your baby with cereals. Mix one tablespoon of single grain or iron-fortified baby cereal and mix it with breast milk or formula milk. Do not serve it in the bottle, help your baby to sit upright and offer one small spoon twice a day.
Once your baby is used to, then increase the serving size with cereal and decrease the amount of liquid gradually.
Add fruits and vegetables.
Introduce pureed veggies and fruits gradually. Try to avoid excess sugar and salt content. It is advised to wait three to five days to introduce them.
Offer finely chopped finger foods.
Babies are able to handle finely chopped finger foods such as soft fruits, baby crackers or cereals by the age of 10 to 12 months.
Tips to prepare food for babies
- Mix cereal with mash banana and milk. Make it a smoothie so that it is easy to eat.
- Cook foods enough so that they easily mash with folk.
- Cut small fruits like grapes, cherries, and tomatoes so that it is easy to engulf.
- Remove all seeds and pits from the fruits.
- It is a beast to peel the fruits and cut them into fine slices.
- You also give your baby rice, wheat, cereals, and grains. Cook them well so that it is mashed easily.