The following reminders would be helpful:
Heat pureed fruits and vegetables
Do not give your baby pureed raw vegetables or fruits. Heat the puree at about 180 F or at a simmering temperature. Let cool and serve.
Don’t add sugar, salt, or honey to your baby’s food
You should avoid adding sugar, salt, and honey to your baby’s food. Honey CANNOT be given until they are a year old. Avoid artificial sweeteners, too.
If you want to add something sweet, use a small amount of fruit or vegetable puree instead. These can be mixed with breast milk or formula if it suits your child’s taste – but make sure that there is no added sugar in the puree itself!
Wait a little bit longer for foods containing allergens
Avoid nuts. If you are unsure of what your baby is allergic to, start with ONE food containing an allergen first. Give them a small amount and just gradually increase as you see that they can tolerate it. Pediatricians now encourage babies to eat eggs and shellfish in order to desensitize them if they have allergies.
Introduce new textures gradually
It is important to introduce new textures gradually. This is because your baby may not be ready for all foods, so it’s best to proceed slowly and patiently.
You should not give them:
- Food that is too hot or too cold. This can burn their mouth or make them feel sick.
- Spicy and sour food. They don’t give them good experience with solids and can upset their stomach.
- Sugary foods. Remember that your baby doesn’t need extra sugar.
Key Takeaways
Whether you choose to introduce solids by giving them Gerber baby food or home-prepared food, the most important thing is to keep your baby’s first foods simple and healthy. As you introduce new textures and flavors, remember that every baby is unique. Some will take to solids more quickly than others—and there’s nothing wrong with that! If your baby seems ready for a new type of food but doesn’t seem to enjoy it, don’t force them to eat more than they want. Try again in a few days when they might be more receptive or try another food instead.
Learn more about Baby Nutrition here.
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