Articles
Introducing Solids One Spoon at a Time
Introducing solid food to babies It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least the first 6 months of life, and continue thereafter for as long as the Mother and infant would like.
Weaning from mothers milk or formula can be gradual over 6 months or more. It is also recommended that breastfeeding continue in tandem with the first solids to help prevent the development of an allergy to those foods.
Do not introduce solid food before 4 months as: * Breast milk or formula is all the baby needs. * The baby needs to develop the ability to swallow without inhalation of food. * Early feeding can lead to obesity. * The digestive and immune system needs time to develop. * Infant kidneys need to develop. * Milk replaced with food can lead to inadequate nutrition and energy.
Do not delay introduction of solid food later than 6 months as: *There is little evidence that delaying introduction of solids over 6 months can decrease risk of allergy, and some evidence to say it may increase risk of allergy. *Can lead to developmental delay in terms of chewing and swallowing. *Can lead to nutritional deficiencies e.g. iron deficiency?
What are the first foods?
•Start with smooth and pureed foods. The most common first foods are iron fortified baby rice cereal, pureed vegetables and fruit (carrot, pumpkin, potato, apple, banana and pear). Baby rice cereal should be mixed with breast milk, water or a milk formula that the baby is already consuming without allergy problems. (Gradually thicken as the baby gets use to swallowing)
•Move onto mashed and finger foods. Try meat and fish, and increase the variety of vegetables. Fruits, legumes, eggs, yoghurt and nut pastes can be included.
•Move onto chopped texture, and offer drinks from cups. Continue to increase variety from all the food groups. Hints for introducing new foods •Introduce 1 food at a time every 2 to 3 days. This will allow you to ensure there are no food intolerances or allergies.
•Start with one teaspoon a day and gradually increase to 2 tablespoons.
•Don't mix foods until individual foods have been tested.
•Increase variety in fruit and vegetables as interest in food grows and the baby gets older.
•Do not add salt or sugar.
•Present food in an easily eaten manner suitable to the age. When able to chew, and swallow easily, finger food is enjoyed.
•Try new foods at lunch or after a nap when the child is well, hungry and not tired.
•Try to have the baby's cooperation and confidence.
•Don't use threats, bribery or force food.
•When introducing solids remember the 3 "T" * Taste- bland for babies, they have 5 times more taste buds than adults. * Temperature- room temperature * Texture- soft and strained texture. How to judge when baby is ready for food.
•For the first few months the baby can only suck. The baby will push food out if place on the tongue.
•Semi solid foods are added when the baby can push food to the back of the mouth to swallow.
•The baby is ready for solids any time after 4 months when the baby can sit with support with good neck and head controls, shows a desire for food by leaning forward and opening his mouth. 4 TO 6 Months
•The introduction of individual foods is a taste and texture experiment rather than a nutrient requirement.
• If allergies are likely to be present then wait until 6 months.
•The baby still needs 5 breast feeds per day or about 900ml of formula.
•Give breast milk or formula milk before solid food so that adequate nutrition is obtained. 6-9 Months
•Baby now requires about 4 to 5 breast feeds or 600-700 ml of formula.
•Solids can now be added before the milk feed.
•Offer foods 1-2 times per day after the milk feed.
•When the baby starts to make chewing movements, gradually introduce soft lumpy foods.
•Foods may be mixed once they have been introduced individually but remember that learning to appreciate different textures and tastes is important.
•Continue to add variety in fork mashed fruit and vegetable
•Pureed or finely minced meat, chicken and fish and mashed lentils and beans and baked beans (low salt) can be added.
•Variety in cereals and breads such as iron fortified baby cereals, oatmeal, weet bix.
•Milk may be used in custards, white sauces and grated cheese added to potato and casseroles.
•Foods may gradually progress to being chopped as the baby can chew.
•Introduce finger foods such as banana, cooked cold vegetables, toast and rusks. 9 Month to 12 Months
•Offer 3 meals a day with emphasis on finger foods and self feeding. Many family foods will now be suitable. Continue to increase variety.
•Breast feeds and formula will gradually reduce but baby still requires 4 to 5 feeds or about 600ml of formula a day.
•Small amounts of cow’s milk may be offered in a cup.
•Egg yolk may be introduced but start with 1/4 teaspoon and gradually increase. Avoid egg white until after a year if family history of allergies. 1 Year
•Cows milk can replace formula but ensure that 3 serves a day from the milk group are consumed (milk, yoghurt, cheese and custard )
•The child will share food from the family table.
•You may add dilute juice, and egg white.
•Encourage foods that are chewed to help flow of saliva and aid digestion.
•Avoid sticky foods like sultanas, dates and chocolate which may contribute to dental carries. Feeding babies and children away from home- child care centres
•The policy is for the child care centre to supply 1/3 of the daily nutrient requirement when the baby or child is in care for 4 to 8 hours.
•If the baby or child is in care for 8 hours or more than 3/4 of the daily requirement should be supplied.
•Child care facilities are monitored by the Health department and standards have been set for hygiene and food in the centres.
Dairy Fruit Dip For 9 Months and Older 1/4 cup soft cream cheese 1/4 natural yoghurt 1/4 cup cooked or canned apple, peach or apricot. Blend cream cheese, yoghurt and fruit together. Serve with finger food such as apple, banana, strawberries and other fruit in season. Place dip in a bowl with fruit arranged attractively around. 1 to 2 serves. Adapted from Heinz recipe book for babies.
Added to site on : Monday, 26 April 2010