Introducing

Baby

to

Solids

When do I start solids?2

sits with support

holds head steady

able to keep food in mouth and swallow

baby shows interest in food and eating

usually between 4-6 months of age

Are there dangers of feeding too early?3

may trigger allergies

may be linked to diabetes

can not digest solids yet

nutritionally not necessary

How about feeding too

late?4 rejection of solidsrejection of solids

strong attachment to bottlestrong attachment to bottle

may be linked to diabetesmay be linked to diabetes

First Food5

Infant single grain rice cereal fortified with iron

Mix with breast milk or formula

Should be consistency of cream

Feed with spoon

Do not add cereal to bottle

What food is best to serve next?6

pureed veggies and fruits start with vegetables 5-7 monthssit up without supportbeginning to chew

Why?

Babies are more likely to reject less sweet foods like vegetables if sweet things like fruits are introduced first.

Add one new food at a time7

Why?

Detection of allergic reactions:

rash on skin including diaper rash diarrhea gas wheezing runny nosecan try food again later in a

month or so

What are the most common food allergies?

8

eggs wheat

nuts and peanuts chocolate

cow’s milk

citrus

strawberries shellfish

What age is it okay to give meat?9

7-8 months…protein foods

grasp & hold onto things

pureed meats

pureed and strained beans

cooked egg yolk mashed & thinned

cottage cheese

plain yogurt

How to make homemade baby food

10

baby food grinder or blender cooked veg, fruit or meat add formula, breast milk or

water thin consistency do not add anything else to

food!

Do not serve homemade:

11 carrots

spinach

beets

turnips

collard greens

before 6 months of age!

Purchased baby foodPurchased baby food1212

choose single ingredient selections choose single ingredient selections

watch out for fillers watch out for fillers

avoid foods with water as #1 ingredientavoid foods with water as #1 ingredient

listen for jar lid to pop or click listen for jar lid to pop or click

check expiration datecheck expiration date

do not feed from jardo not feed from jar

Do not give: 13

Artificial sweeteners unpasteurized dairy, juice caffeine containing drinks herbal tea alcohol vitamin supplements other than MD Rx sushi

No Honey!!! 14

!!NeverNever give your baby honey

!Foods made with honey

Can cause serious type of food poisoning or even death

Move on to texture… 15signs of readiness for texture……

baby can sit up well without support

uses gums/teeth to chew

usually around 7 months

What can babies easily choke on?

16

hot dogs

nuts & seeds

popcorn

chips

grapes

raisins

raw vegetables

peanut butter

Is it okay to give juice? 17

juice can have more calories per ounce than sodas!!!

dilute juice with half water

starting at age 6 months ok in cup diluted

2 ounces (1/4 cup) juice per day only

Summary

Thank you for attending

today’s class!