Can My Infant Eat Everything We Eat - What Should We Avoid?
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New and experienced parents alike frequently wonder when they should begin giving their child solid foods and what foods are ok for them to eat and which ones are not. And, while infants can eat a wide range of foods their little digestive systems are not prepared to eat everything an adult eats. Because of this there are foods that should be avoided as well as a particular schedule that should be followed to introduce new foods.
Introducing Solids
Solids of any kind should not be introduced to an infant until at least four or six months of age. Your infant will be ready when he shows signs of being able to hold his head up, has an improved swallowing reflex, starts showing interest in your food, and the like. Babies are ready at different times, but solids should never be given before four months of age. In addition, by six months baby cereals should be given because the infant will have more iron requirements than can be met by breast milk or formula alone. If you pay attention to your baby you will know when he is ready.
What to Offer
Wondering what to offer your baby? More than likely you are visiting the pediatrician on a regular basis so you can talk with him about the different foods that might be appropriate for you child. It is of utmost importance you dont offer foods before your baby is old enough because he may end up developing an allergic reaction. That is the last thing you want to occur so make sure you give your child enough time and present solids slowly and only one at a time.
Baby cereals are always a great place to start. In fact, you should begin with a rice cereal mixed with enough breast milk or formula to make it more like a liquid. Then, using a rubber tipped spoon, give your child just a little bit. It will take some practice for him to learn how to keep the food in his mouth, chew, and swallow. So, just give him a few teaspoonfuls a day until he is accustomed. After he is used to eating one regular feeding of rice cereal you can add another later in the day. Remember that you can make the cereal a little thicker once your child becomes accustomed to eating. Before introducing a new food your child should be eating at least a cup of rice cereal per day.
What to Avoid
Basically, you should begin with rice cereal. Then, fruits and vegetables that are strained or pureed are a good transition point. After your child becomes accustomed to these then you could consider adding some table food that has been chopped up well enough not to prevent a choking hazard. This includes things like meat. However, it will take a while before your baby is eating grown up food so go slow and follow your pediatricians suggestions.
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