Re: starting solids
Asked by Coxy

Question:
 

Staring solids ... how do I go about it?

My Advice: 

The first thing to remember when introducing solids to a baby is to only introduce one food

at a time.  On the first day, introduce them to say baby cereal or mashed potato, but then wait at least 24 hours, 48 hours is even better, till you give the baby a new food.  The reason for this, is in case they have an allergic reaction, you will know which food it was and you will know which food to avoid in the future. 

It is also recommended to give them bland foods first.  Remember that baby's have more sensitive taste buds than adults (and more of them) so what you might think is bland and disgusting, actually tastes different to an infant - no need for added salt!.  You also don't want them to get used to having sweet flavours right away, because then they won't be interested in the more bland products.  You also want to avoid sugar addiction, so try to stay as natural as possible.  It's not only much healthier for the baby, but also healthier for your wallet. 

There are some good cook books out there for people who don't want to give their kids preserved tinned baby food, and it really is easy to do.  There are very simple guidlines to follow too.  Your GP or child health nurse can give you some literature on the topic, but generally babies from 6-9months have thickish liquid type foods.  Store bought baby cereal is very easy to make up - you just mix it with breastmilk, formula or water.  From 9 months on you can start to add a bit of texture.  Follow your own baby's lead with how textured you need to make yours.  How many teeth they have is a good way to decide how textured the food can be. 

Once you have introduced many foods to their diet, making baby food is really as simple as blending your own meals.  If you cook spaghetti bolognaise for dinner for yourself and others, all you have to do is use a food processor and make it as smooth as you want.  There is no need to be making 2 different dishes each night.