Introducing new foods and the experience of eating solids to your little one is always a rollercoaster of an experience. Between trying to find what appeals to their palate from a texture and taste perspective, to trying to give them the healthiest boost you can be a tough dynamic to balance. When starting with solids, it’s important to focus on foods that are easy to digest, nutritionally rich, and safe for your baby. According to the CDC, “Pediatrics recommend children be introduced to foods other than breast milk or infant formula when they are about 6 months old.” It’s important to observe and decide when your child is developmentally ready to take this leap, and when they are we have a variety of dried fruits as well as nut and trail mixes here at Nature’s Garden that can be crafted into healthy, baby-safe snacks.
When to Introduce Solid Foods to your Baby?
A huge part of the process of how and when to introduce solid foods to your baby is when you, the parent, deem it’s the appropriate time. Nobody knows your child like you, meaning that nobody spends as much time with them as you, and picks up on their little tendencies as keenly as you do. While the rule of thumb is generally to introduce solids around 6 months, it’s important to use your judgement and of course consult their pediatrician.
Before making the switch to solids.
Kristen S. Treegoob a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Primary Care in Haverford advises that, “before making the switch to solids, a child must have good head control, and have outgrown their tongue-thrust reflex, meaning they no longer push food away with their tongue.” This is why parents’ observations are so important in this process. She goes on to say that, “When ready for solids, your child will open their mouth to accept food without spitting or pushing it out. But because it’s a new experience, the first few times may not go smoothly — even if your baby is ready. Keep trying if they spit out their food!”
What Solids to Introduce to your Baby?
When you’re finally ready to make the jump to solid food for your little one here’s a few easy things to consider:
- Start simple by beginning with single-ingredient foods to identify any potential allergies like:
- Pureed vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and peas.
- Pureed fruits like bananas, apples, and pears.
- Iron-fortified grains like rice, oatmeal, or healthy cereals.
- For texture purposes, start with very smooth purees and gradually move to thicker textures and soft finger foods as your baby gets used to eating like plain pastas and cheese for example.
-
Allergen Introduction: It’s recommended to introduce allergenic foods early, one at a time, to monitor for reactions. This includes nuts, but they must be prepared safely to prevent choking.
- Butters like almond or peanut butter (it's recommended that you give your baby potentially allergenic foods when you introduce other complementary foods).
Allergenic Introduction: Nuts.
Nuts are a common allergen, so introduce them carefully. Whole nuts and chunks can also be a choking hazard, so they just need some extra attention when being prepared like some examples here:
- Nut Butters: Thinly spread smooth nut butters like peanut or almond butter, on bread or even mix them into cereals or purees. You can also thin it with water to make it easier to swallow.
- Nut Flours: Use almond flower or ground nuts in baking or mix seamlessly into cereals or purees.
What are Good Recipes for First Solids?
Introducing your baby to solids can be a fun and rewarding experience. By starting with simple, nutritious foods and gradually expanding the variety, you’ll help your baby develop healthy eating habits and enjoy a diverse diet.
Creative Ideas for First Solids
Here are some simple and health-conscious ideas for your little one …
- Banana and Avocado mash: Mash both ingredients together in a sensible portioned manner and continue until smooth. Serve as is or mix with water for a thinner consistency.
- Sweet potato and carrot puree: Steam or boil the sweet potato and carrots until soft. Blend with some water for a smoother puree.
- Peanut butter oatmeal: Cook the oats with water or milk until soft. Stir in peanut butter until well combined.
The introduction of solids is an exciting step in the experience for you and your baby. By having good communication with your pediatrician or health care professional is another thing to ensure during this process. Nature’s Garden variety of dried fruits, trail mixes, and yoggies, when appropriately prepared for your baby, can help take some of the thinking out of figuring out new snacks to try.