Introducing solid foods to baby is a really big, exciting milestone! I couldn’t wait to offer my daughter all sorts of food to see how she would react- I knew it was going to be so much fun, and it really is so awesome to see their joy at tasting something they like.
However, do bear in mind that we don’t have to rush in to solids. Breast milk or formula should be a baby’s main source of nutrition until 6 months of age. Some pediatricians and folks of our parents generations suggest offering cereal from 4 months of age, but just go with your mommy instinct here. Our kids have their whole lives ahead of them to eat solids after all!
But when you find that your baby is curious and physically ready (can hold head upright, loss of tongue thrust reflex) for solid foods you may want to start offering some healthy, whole foods instead of starting with boxed cereals.
Healthy and nutritious foods like the ones below make really great first foods for baby because they are easy to digest and full of vitamins, minerals, fats and other nutrients a growing baby needs.
Avocado
A great first food for baby, avocados are bursting with essential fats, vitamins A, C, niacin and folate as well as minerals like potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and calcium. All the nutrients a growing baby needs. They are also smooth, creamy, easily digested and well tolerated by most babies! You can mix in a little breastmilk or formula for that first taste.
Banana
This is the very first thing I offered my baby girl, and she still loves it for breakfast! Bananas are naturally sweet, which may help baby more readily accept the first food experience. They are also filled with vitamins A, C and folate and minerals potassium, phosphorus, selenium, magnesium and calcium. Research indicates that bananas and their mucosal properties actually help coat the tummy and help aid in digestion.
Sweet potato
This is also one of the first foods I offered my baby, and its really really good with steamed apple. Sweet potato is deliciously fragrant and sweet and filled with vitamins A, C and folate and minerals potassium, sodium, selenium, phosphorous, magnesium and calcium. You can steam and cut into finger lengths, making it easy for baby to grasp or mash.
Butternut squash
Butternut squash is another power packed root vegetable with heaps of vitamins A, C, B6 and folate and chockful of iron, zinc, potassium and antioxidants. It is also delicious steamed and mashed or cut into finger lengths that are easy to grasp. You can also add this into a soup with tomatoes, potatoes, carrots and onions once your baby is well into his journey into solids!
As a rule, you should always introduce one food at a time for up to 4 days to see if your baby suffers any negative reaction. If you notice any diarrhea, vomiting or rash you should stop and consult your pediatrician.
Within a few months of starting solid foods you can start offering your baby a variety of foods each day that may include breast milk or formula, meats, cereal, vegetables, fruits, eggs and fish. Have fun!