In the past 20 to 30 years, we have learned a lot about infant development and healthy eating. These discoveries have changed the recommendations for feeding babies. So, you may find that the way you feed your baby today will be very different than how your mother fed you as a baby.
A wide variety of medical authorities now agree that breast milk is nature's complete food for the first six months of life for the healthy, full-term baby. No other foods or liquids are needed during this time if the baby is healthy and thriving.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Scientific research has shown that there are a number of benefits to waiting until your baby is six months old before introducing solid foods:
- Decreased risk of allergies. The earlier a baby eats food other than human milk the more likely they are to develop food allergies. At about six months a baby begins producing special antibodies that provide better protection from food allergies.
- Increased ability to digest solid foods. A baby's digestive system is still maturing during the first six months of life. During this time they have trouble digesting solid foods, and absorb more nutrients from human milk.
- Maintaining a good milk supply. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first year of life. Solid foods replace human milk in a baby's diet, so milk supply may decrease if baby gets solids too early. Maintain a good milk supply by waiting until baby is at least six months old before offering solid foods, and always nurse before offering other foods to baby.
- Decreased risk of ear infections. Babies that are totally breastfed for four months or longer have 40% fewer ear infections when compared to breastfed babies that were supplemented with other foods before four months of age.
- Another reason to delay introduction of solid foods until six months of age is that during that time, your baby is developing the skills needed to eat solid foods. This makes feeding easier for everyone, and your baby will actually be able to eat a lot of what he/she is fed. It is important to watch and wait for signs that your baby is ready to eat solid foods.
Here are some signs that show you your baby is getting ready to eat solids:
- Baby can sit up
- Baby can pick up things and put them in her/his mouth
- When food is put in baby's mouth, she/he doesn't push it out with the tongue
- Baby is able to chew foods
- Baby reaches for your food
However, some babies do not develop an interest in eating solid foods until they are older. Some babies that are prone to food sensitivities or allergies may not show an interest in solid foods until they are 8 months or older. This may be a natural protective reaction. As long as your baby is growing normally, follow your baby's lead and don't insist on feeding solids until he/she shows a real interest. Offer them opportunities to eat by including them in family meal times.
Recommended Foods
Once baby shows an interest is eating solid foods, many parents wonder what foods they should offer their baby first. Whole foods that are close to their natural state are healthier for everyone, including baby. You can begin to offer her/him foods that can be cooked, mashed, ground or combined with breast milk or water so they have a softer consistency. Commercial baby foods are not needed, and they often contain additives and preservatives.
Until baby has more teeth, use a fork, grater or baby food grinder to mash or grind up foods you prepare for the rest of the family. At six months old babies can have grain cereals mixed with expressed breast milk, mashed fruits, vegetables and beans, cooked meat ground up, cottage cheese, yogurt, and tofu. Whole grain cereals and meat help provide the extra iron some babies need at this age.
Introducing New Foods
It is usually best to offer a new food by itself for a few days to see if your baby has a bad reaction to it. Begin by spoon feeding a teaspoon or less, once or twice a day after breastfeeding, increasing the amount slightly at each feeding. Later, the foods your baby has shown no reaction to can be combined.
Expressed breast milk, water or juice can be offered in a cup. Some babies never take a bottle because they take expressed milk in a cup when they are separated from mom. As babies get older they may be more interested in finger foods they can feed themselves, and foods with more texture. By the time a baby is over a year old he/she should be able to sit with your family for a meal, eating some of the same foods that everyone else is eating. Remember that you are teaching your baby healthy eating habits and appropriate mealtime behavior. Make mealtime a positive, nourishing experience for everyone.
Precautions About Solid Foods
Keep in mind that a baby should always be supervised when eating solid foods in case of choking, and parents should know how to help a choking baby. Do not feed your baby the following foods because of the increased risk of choking. AVOID THESE FOR BABY:
- nuts
- seeds
- popcorn
- whole grapes
- raw vegetables
- peanut butter
- meat sticks and hot dogs
Solid Foods and Toddlers
Here are some foods you should not give your baby until they are over a year old because they may cause allergic reactions, health problems, or are not healthy choices for young children:
- Cow's milk
- Eggs, especially egg whites
- Citrus fruit, berries with seeds and dried fruit
- Foods that are high is saturated fat
- Foods that contain added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or are high in salt
- Honey
Baby's Weight Gain
Sometimes baby's weight gain becomes a concern between the ages of 6 and 12 months. Breastfed babies tend to gain weight more slowly during this time than formula fed babies. It is normal for a breastfed baby to gain 1-1/2 to 3 ounces per week during the second six months of life. If your pediatrician is concerned about your baby's weight gain; make sure they are using a breastfed baby growth grid. (Most infant growth grids are based on formula fed babies, not breastfed babies.) Your doctor is welcome to contact us at Beyond Birth to get a copy of a breastfed babies growth grids.
If you are concerned about your baby's growth, or feeding advice you have received, feel free to call Beyond Birth for more information.
by Dixie Whetsell
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