Into the mouths of babes – Part 2 in a series

(Editor’s note: Read Part 1 of this series here.)

Part 2 – Introducing Solid Foods

The introduction of solids has almost as many fables and foibles as does the vaccination debate, however the good news is that first foods can be easily and clearly explained and taught. The hardest part is getting the right info out to new parents. Sadly, many parents are unwilling to educate themselves beyond what their doctor or mother-in-law tells them. I believe that we need to do our own research when it comes to the health and care of our precious babies.

Before I start to sound too much like Chef Jamie when he gets going, here is the simplified, clarified, up-to-date information on introducing solids to baby in their first year. Keep in mind, I teach organic homemade baby food is best.

When is baby ready for solids?

-baby displays chewing motions

-baby shows an increased interest in your foods and watching you eat

-baby can sit upright with support and holds head up completely on their own

-when your parenting instincts tell you they are ready!

Usually these signs are not present until six months of age.

Food Introduction

If you have any concerns about food reactions or allergies, it is best to first test a new food on baby’s cheek, wait 10-15 minutes. If no skin reaction, apply to their lips. If no reaction, then you can proceed with caution and have your baby try eating it. A reaction would be red cheeks, spotty rash around chin and mouth, irritability, or any other skin change.

Introduce first foods in the mornings to give time to detect any reactions should there be any. Wait four days before starting another new food. For example, try pears for four days, then try squash for four days, and so on, until all foods have been tried. Once you are certain of two foods they can be combined. (Pears and avocado are very yummy for instance!)

Some other notes on introducing solid foods

-Delay grains, cereals, and legumes until nine months

-try veggies that are high in nitrates AFTER all other foods have been tried (carrots, spinach, beets, collards)

-Avocado is a great first food as it is high in essential vitamins, mineral, and fats. Its creamy texture is easy for babies to enjoy scooped right out of the skin, no cooking needed.

-Start with either or both veggies and fruits. There is little supporting evidence that starting with fruits will cause a baby to refuse the blander veggies. You can go back and forth between the two and then mix them for some yummy combinations (apple and sweet potato)

-Start modeling good eating and a willingness to try all foods you introduce to baby. There is no reason you have to buy strained commercial baby foods. Simply mash up what you are eating (assuming it is healthy) and away you go!

-Use a coffee grinder to make your own organic whole grain cereals. Much cheaper, healthier, and so easy

-Make yourself aware of foods to avoid in baby’s first year. If you have a family history of serious food allergies, proceed with caution and wait until well after the first year with those foods.

Foods to avoid until after 1 year of age:

-Egg whites

-Dairy products. The protein in cow milk and cheeses is difficult to break down in baby’s digestive system. Whole goats milk is a good alternative, its proteins are much smaller and more easily absorbed. It is also the closest thing to human milk

-Wheat and foods containing wheat flour

-Honey

-Shellfish

-Peanut butter/ tree nuts. However, there is no clear research saying that waiting until the age of 1 is helpful in avoiding a nut allergy. Use discretion and get the advice of a holistic nutritionist if you have nut allergies

-citrus and strawberries have a high rate of skin reactions, it is best to wait until all other foods are tested.

Holly Haner-Lo is an ECE, Doula, CBE, and owner of A Better Birth in Orangeville, Ontario. She currently teaches prenatal education and baby food workshops in the Dufferin, Caledon, & Peel regions www.abetterbirth.ca