FEEDING YOUR BABY: NEW RULES TO EATING VARIETY OF FOODS

Babies are ready to eat solid foods between 4 and 6 months. However, most parents are tense about feeding their baby solids and therefore opt for traditional foods such as infant cereals and purees. Although these are not bad for your baby, it deprives them of certain nutrients. It also minimizes their exposure to different tastes and textures. 

How do you expose your child to an assortment of foods? Here’s how:

It’s okay to introduce your baby to commonly allergenic food items.

Items such as peanuts, eggs, nuts, and shellfish were once considered allergenic foods. Doctors would recommend parents should introduce these foods after the first year.  However, research demonstrates that introducing such foods between ages 4 to 6 months can actually PREVENT food allergies. 

If your little one is 4 months old and is demonstrating signs of solid food readiness, you can start with meats, pureed vegetables, infant cereal, and fruits. See if your baby develops an allergic reaction. If not, gradually introduce more allergenic foods like fish and nuts. Ensure you wait at least five days before introducing a new food.

Don’t avoid seasonings and spices. 

The idea that babies only like bland food is a myth. It is only in some parts of the world that babies eat tasteless mush. There is actually no science to back it up! What does this mean? You should definitely take your baby for a walk on the culinary wild side. 

Did you know your breast milk takes on the flavor of the food you eat? So why would you serve your baby bland food? It is taking a step backward. Use spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric to add spice to your baby’s food. The level of spiciness will depend on your culture. Of course, you need to avoid too much spice as this can irritate your child’s mouth. 

Herbs and spices expand your child’s palette. 

Opt for homemade baby food.

It might sound daunting, but the homemade baby food is the best choice for your baby. It doesn’t require specialized chef skills. You can create flavorful combinations such as mashed beans with roasted garlic or spinach and pumpkin. Add some herbs and spices to add another dimension of flavor.

To foster independent eating at meal time, serve this food on attractive baby-appropriate tableware.

Choose organically grown fruits, vegetables, and meats. 

Organically grown foods contain more nutrients and next-to-no chemical and additives. Although organic produce is more expensive than conventionally grown foods, nutritionally better for you and your baby. 

Many studies have demonstrated that pesticides and food additives contribute to developmental and intellectual disturbances in children. By including organic foods in your baby’s diet, you are giving him or her a healthy start in life. 

Provide exposure to different tastes.

As a parent, you need to be consistent about everything ranging from discipline to bedtime, but a dash of inconsistency at meal time is an exciting thing. Expose your child to a wide menu. For example, instead of the same beans on toast every night, include different legumes or meats. Not only does this develop his or her palate but it also provides valuable nutrition.  

Seat your baby in a high chair and secure the belt. Place a small quantity of food in front of your child with kid-friendly cutlery. Your little one will try this new food out by him or herself. Just don’t forget to place a bib around his or her neck!

Exposing your baby to a wide range of foods will not only benefit his or her palate but their health and development as well. This is what the new baby food guidelines are trying to achieve.

For more information about baby food, please visit The World Boutique Store.