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Resource for Parents |
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oh baby! Many health organizations worldwide, including UNICEF and
the World Health Organization, recommend that no solid foods are introduced
to baby for the first 6 months. Many parents find that they come under a lot of pressure -
particularly from well-meaning relatives - to begin giving their babies
solid foods from as early as 3 months. It's certainly true that, in previous generations, parents
were encouraged by the medical profession to give solid foods much earlier
than is recommended today. But it's important to remember that studies into
the effects of giving solid foods too early are relatively recent. Doctors
then simply didn't have as much information on the subject as they do now.
Research has shown that the early introduction of solids can lead to gagging or choking - a very young baby has poor control
of the muscles used for swallowing an increased risk of food allergy or food intolerance obesity Not all babies are ready for solids at 6 months, though -
and other signs of readiness to look for in your baby include an increased interest in YOUR food an increase in appetite - milk alone no longer seems
satisfying good head control and the ability to sit well waking at night after previously sleeping through. (But
be careful here - this can indicate digestive discomfort and the
introduction of solid foods can make the situation worse.)
GETTING STARTED Once you are satisfied that your baby is ready for solid
foods - and with the consent of your child's doctor - you can introduce him
to either Baby rice - a single grain, gluten-free cereal.
It takes on the flavor of the milk it is mixed with, which is why it is
popular as a first food. But many parents find it to be constipating
and, instead, introduce pureed vegetables from the outset. A mixed grain cereal - however, do not give
barley, rye, wheat or oats as first foods, as they all contain gluten.
Gluten should NEVER be given to a baby under 6 months of age, as it is
believed that this can lead to the development of Celiac disease. Wheat
is a potential allergen. Wheat and other grains containing gluten can be
introduced with care once baby has safely been introduced to other
cereals, fruits or vegetables. A simple puree - such as avocado or sweet potato,
which has an ideal texture and sweet taste that babies adore! Introduce one new food at a time and wait at least 4 days
before introducing the next. If any food triggers an allergic reaction or
digestive upset, then you will be able to quickly identify the culprit.
Try this recipe for a yummy "Tropical Treat"
Prepare the squash by removing the skin and
seeds,
1/2 cup chopped, cooked, boneless
chicken
Remove the stone and skin from the peach, then
FOODS TO AVOID
Some foods are allergenic and need to be introduced with particular care -
or avoided altogether for the first year if there is any family history of
food allergy. These include eggs - the whites should ALWAYS be avoided until baby is
at least 1 year old cow's milk peanuts/peanut butter - avoid altogether until baby is
AT LEAST 3 years old shellfish chocolate wheat pork salt fish gluten berries citrus fruits cinnamon corn coconut yeast tomatoes The following foods all pose a choking risk nuts large pieces of meat, fruit or vegetables whole tomatoes or grapes - these should always be cut up seeds popcorn raisins NEVER give your baby honey until he is at least 1 year old.
Honey may contain botulism spores, which can be EXTREMELY dangerous to
babies. Once your baby has been separately introduced to several
different vegetables and fruits, you can combine them to create some amazing
tastes. Always remember... The amount to feed
your baby should be dictated by his appetite. Food charts can be misleading
- not all babies eat the same amounts and not all will start solids at the
same time. Never force your baby to eat - smile as you feed him and make
mealtimes fun for you both!
For the rest of our information on feeding your baby solid foods,
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