Introducing first foods
Recommendations about when to introduce solid foods to your baby's diet have changed considerably over the years. At between four to six months your baby is ready to start solid foods.
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In the past, some doctors advised that children should eat a wide variety of foods as early as the first month of life. Experts now advise delaying the introduction of solid foods until your child is at least four to six months of age. However, breast milk or formula should continue to be the most important source of nutrients throughout the first year of life.
When to start solid foods
The digestive system of a young baby is not developed enough to cope with solid foods until about four to six months of age, and introducing solid foods any earlier can stimulate the development of food allergies.
Also, giving solid foods too soon could cause choking (see Foods to avoid). Very young babies have a reflex whereby their tongue naturally pushes the food out of their mouths, but by the age of four to six months they lose this tongue-thrust reflex and so you can begin spoon-feeding.
At this age, most babies can sit supported in a chair, and will have developed control and coordination of their head, neck, and mouth muscles. They can eat properly, although they are likely to make a mess, so protect clothes with a bib.
Spoon-feeding baby's food
The introduction of solid foods marks the beginning of a critical period during which a baby learns to eat from a spoon and to accept different tastes and textures. Not coincidentally, a baby's readiness for these experiences generally corresponds to a physical need to supplement the amount of calories and nutrients available from breast milk or formula.
However, milk or formula should still continue to be the major source of calories and nutrients during the remainder of the baby's first year. The common belief that solids can “fatten up” the baby or help him or her sleep better is a misconception. Most solid foods have fewer calories than breast milk or formula and should not be the sole nutrient source.
Gradual introduction of new foods
New foods should be introduced gradually - not more often than every three days, or longer if there is a family history of allergies - and no more than one new food at a time. Following these rules will make it easier for you to identify a food that your baby is sensitive to or has an allergic reaction to. The Adding new foods table in the following article gives general guidelines on when and how to introduce the basic food groups.
Food allergies
These affect five to eight per cent of children in the UK. Even the tiniest amount of an offending food can be life-threatening. Common foods that cause allergies include cow's milk, gluten (eg wheat and oats), soya, eggs, shellfish, and nuts such as peanuts. If there is a family history of allergies, delay giving gluten until six months, eggs until two years, and shellfish and nuts until three years.
Recognizing food allergies: After giving a new food to your baby, look out for signs of an allergy developing, such as a skin rash, vomiting, or diarrhoea. If your child's lips and face swell, get an ambulance as this is an emergency. Avoiding the offending food is the only prevention. (See also Food Allergies and intolerances.)
Check food labels
Substances that cause allergies are often hidden in foods - for example, wheat is in processed meats and eggs are in dressings - so check food labels carefully. If you feel your child is falling short on vital nutrients because he or she has to avoid certain foods, consult your doctor or a state-registered dietitian.
Lisa Hark, PhD RD & Dr Darwin Deen
Posted 14.02.2011
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