The First Foods You Should Give Your Baby – Parenthood
According to the American Pediatric Association, babies should start eating solid foods between 4 and 6 months old. In addition to age, to give them the first foods, specific signs of development must appear .
When they appear, you will know that the baby is ready for a variety of solid foods.
The main signs that we should notice are:
- The baby has lost the extrusion reflex (the spoon or food is expelled from his mouth).
- He shows interest or curiosity when he sees other people eating and tries to reach for the food.
- Although he still needs support, he can sit up with good head control.
- The baby’s weight has doubled since the moment of birth.
In this process, you have to be very careful to be in harmony with the physiological development of the baby. The way to prepare the food is also essential to the success of the diet.
Here are some of the first foods to include in a healthy baby’s diet.
The first 4 solid foods for the baby
1. The lawyer
It is an excellent first food for the baby. This is because it contains healthy fats for growth and development. The soft, creamy texture of avocado is great for baby’s digestive system to tolerate.
This food is rich in vitamins A, C, niacin, folic acid, potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and calcium. To prepare it, you need to remove the skin. Then extract a creamy part and crush it with a fork.
2. Bananas
They are also ideal for introducing the baby to a solid diet. The properties of a banana make it ideal for baby’s digestion. Its sweet taste and texture make it easier for children to accept and appreciate. These fruits contain vitamin A, C, folate, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, magnesium and calcium.
Before giving them the banana, peel it. Mash it. And if you want it to be even sweeter, warm it up a bit. You can also add a little breast milk or whatever formula you use. Thus, you will make it easier to consume.
3. Meats
When the baby begins to change the way he eats, he may be deficient in certain nutrients. Iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 are just a few. These are present in foods of animal origin.
It should also be noted that iron is present in some vegetables. However, this is not so easily absorbed by an immature organism.
Due to the above, it is advisable to include a portion of meat in the baby’s diet. A good way to feed your child meat is to check that it is of good quality. Then you have to cook and grind it.
It can be soaked in a little water or salt-free broth. Thus, the texture will be processed without problem.
4. Mango
The mango is a food rich in vitamins A, C, E, K, folic acid, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and sodium. As you can see, it is a sweet fruit that brings a lot of nutrients to your baby’s body. As with other foods, you should peel it, remove the seed, and mash it.
Tips for feeding your baby
- Breast milk or formula should be included in the baby’s diet. And that, even after giving them something solid. From these elements come the main calories and nutrients that a child needs during his first year.
- When it comes time to eat, make sure your baby is calm, clean, and happy. Thus, he will be able to appreciate his food more. He will therefore begin to associate them in a positive way.
- Choose only one food at a time. Give it the food for several days before moving on to another. This way you can easily identify any type of allergic reaction.
- If you notice diarrhea, rash, or vomiting after a meal, stop giving it and see your doctor.
- If you are going to give the baby a cereal, make sure it is suitable for his age. The cereals that the little ones should consume are enriched with specific nutrients.
Although it is not a solid food, unleavened meat broth is also good for your child. Due to its texture and properties, it helps strengthen the baby’s digestive system .
Another recommendation is that you always check that these first foods are of good quality. This way, you will be sure that you are building good eating habits from the first few months of life.
