Introducing foods for the first time to your baby can be an intimidating task.
What to introduce?
How to introduce it?
Do I make it fresh or use commercial food?
Will it constipate them?
Will they be sensitive to it?
What if they don't like it?
All normal thoughts to have.
Here are some important things to consider when introducing new foods:
1. Watch for any signs of sensitivity including: rash, runny or congested nose, watery eyes, constipation, diarrhea, severe mood changes. Many health practioners recommend introducing one food for several days to monitor any of these signs or symptoms. If there are repeated signs then remove the food and wait to re-introduce.
2. Many commercial starter foods tend to be on the constipating side (brown rice, bananas, sweet potatoes, apples, etc) make sure to keep an eye on digestive function. Just because the jar says starter doesn't mean your baby should be consuming if it's causing a digestive or another type of reaction. Turn on your parent intuition and start from there.
3. Preparing homemade foods helps to provide extra nutrients for your baby. Fresh foods have higher amounts of vitamins and minerals than commercial foods. These foods can have extra additives, sugar and sodium. Make sure to research baby food companies and choose ones that offer more wholesome ingredients.
4. Make eating time one of exploration. When your baby is ready, introduce a variety of different tastes. You have a window of opportunity to accustom your baby's palate to appreciate taste diversity. Try not to rely soley on sweet foods. Introduce sour (plain goats yogurt), mild spice (curry), bitter (rapini). At first your baby may reject these foods, but keep on trying and you may just be surprised. Introducing a variety of foods at an early age not only helps to maintain a balanced diet, which encourages a healthy constitution, but it also makes your life a lot easier in the long run in terms of food prep!
5. Add superfoods to your baby's diet. Avocados are a great source of monounsaturated fatty acids (health promoting fats) as well as potassium, vitamin E, B Vitamins and fibre. Not to mention it is easy to eat and easy to prepare.
6. Avoid ALL commercial foods that list SUGAR as a primary ingredient. Sugar in an anti-nutrient and impairs immune system function. During such times of growth and development added sugar is not wise in a baby's diet.
7. Offer healthy grains such as Quinoa and Millet. These grains offer many nutrients and are also easy to eat and easy to prepare. It is wise to invest in a blender or small food processor (magic bullet) you can blend the grains with breast milk, formula or a variety of other foods that you have introduced to your baby.
*It is always best to check with your health practitioner before introducing any new foods into your baby's diet. Please be sure to discuss the introduction of potential allergenic foods with your pediatrician.
By: Miranda Malisani, Holistic Nutritionist
www.livelightnutrition.com
