Among a year of many firsts, it’s a milestone when your bundle of joy is ready for solid foods after reaching 5 or 6 months old. Until 5 months, breast milk is the best food for your baby. In fact, you should continue nursing even after you begin introducing solid foods. As a parent, you want only the best for your child and food definitely tops the list. Through good nutrition, you can give a solid start to your baby’s overall growth and development in the coming years. However, feeding babies can be very tricky as they have very sensitive digestive systems. Thus, it becomes even more important to feed your baby the right food in the initial few months. It is important to introduce one solid food at a time and in small amounts to allow your baby to get used to it. It usually takes about 3 days to see if there is any allergic reaction. Plus, do not forget to consult your pediatrician about introducing solid foods on your baby’s diet. Note According to the American Academy of Pediatrics AAP, it is important to wait until your baby is at least 3 months old before offering foods with naturally occurring nitrates, such as carrots, spinach, beets, squash, broccoli, and green beans as it may cause a type of anemia called methemoglobinemia in young infants. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes and parsnips also contain nitrates.
Apples
For the apple of your eye, apples are a great food that can be introduced between 6 and 8 months of age. An apple a day is indeed extremely good for your baby’s health. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, apples are the number one fruit liked by kids. One of the most important nutritional components of apples is the fiber content, which helps maintain bowel regularity. Other nutrients in apples include vitamins A and E, folate, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium. Experts recommended serving applesauce instead of whole apples to babies upto 8 months old. 1. Simply peel an apple and cut it into small pieces. 2. Cook the apple pieces with 1 cup of water or apple juice over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes. 3. Allow it to cool, then mash it with a fork to a thin consistency.
Bananas
Just like apples, bananas are another key food that you can give your baby after he or she reaches 5 months age. Rich in potassium, bananas help control the body’s water balance. Potassium also helps with muscle functioning and is responsible for the relaxation of your baby’s heart muscle and heart rhythm. It even reduces the risk of kidney stones and osteoporosis in the future. In addition, bananas will give your baby a good amount of carbohydrates that provides sustained energy as well as fiber that supports a healthy digestive tract. 1. Use a fork to thoroughly mash a ripe banana until it has the consistency of pudding. Then, serve it to your baby. 2. For older babies, chopped bananas are an excellent finger food.
Avocados
One of the best foods that you can feed your baby is avocados. You can introduce avocados into your baby’s diet after he or she reaches 4 months of age. Being loaded with monounsaturated fats, they aid brain development. This type of fat also gives your baby a boost of much needed energy. Plus, the dietary fiber in them ensures smooth digestion. In addition, avocados have a mild taste and smooth consistency that most babies like. Avocados are also super easy to prepare. 1. Simply mash a very ripe avocado with a fork. 2. Add a little breast milk or formula milk to the mashed avocado. 3. Mix thoroughly until it reaches a pureed consistency.
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