Superfoods- More Than Just Milk …for Babies & Toddlers

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SUPERFOODS- MORE THAN JUST MILK …for babies & toddlers

What is BABY NUTRITION?

Food provides the energy and nutrients that babies need to be healthy. For a baby, breast milk is best. It has all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Infant formulas are available for babies whose mothers are not able or decide not to breastfeed. Infants usually start eating solid foods between 4 and 6 months of age

Whether you're breastfeeding, using formula, or doing both, you want to make sure your baby is getting all of the vitamins and nutrients he needs to grow big and strong. There are lots of baby superfoods, additional supplements you can give your baby after a certain age.

Remember that solid foods of any kind should not be introduced before 4 months of age.

Since babies develop at different rates, ask your pediatrician if you're not sure when to introduce certain foods or which foods are best for your baby. Once your baby hits the four-month mark, she may be ready to start solids. Infants usually start eating solid foods between 4 and 6 months of age. If you introduce one new food at a time, you ...
... will be able to identify any foods that cause allergies in your baby. Some foods to stay away from include

Eggs
Honey
Peanuts (including peanut butter)
Other tree nuts
Start with a few tablespoons of iron-fortified cereal mixed with breast milk or water and pureed fruit. Wait four days in between introducing new foods so that you will be able to identify any food allergies.

What to Eat at 6 to 8 Months of Age?

If your 6-8 month old baby is just starting solid foods, you will probably only manage to have baby eat 1/2 of the tablespoon sized portion the very first times you begin solids. If you are using a Baby Led Weaning approach, your baby may only manage to get a few pieces of food into his or her mouth. Don’t fret if your baby does not “finish” a meal. Remember this is a new experience for your baby. As your baby becomes accustomed to eating solids, you will gradually increase the portion sizes.

CEREALS - Try mixing together the grains that your baby has had without any reaction(s) – Brown Rice and Oatmeal with Pear Sauce for example.

FRUITS - Begin making your own fruit combinations once a baby has had several fruits without any reaction(s). After 8 months old – you may wish to try offering raw ripe fruits. Soft cooked fruits make for great beginner Baby Finger Foods.

VEGGIES - Veggie combinations are great to offer now. Ensure that all veggies have been previously offered without any reaction(s) prior to mixing & matching. After 8 months old – you may wish to try offering cooked veggies in dices or tiny chunks and bits. Soft cooked veggies make for great beginner Baby Finger Foods.

PROTEIN - Once your baby has reached 8 months old, try offering tofu finger cubes dusted with Cheerio “dust” or other cereal “dust”. Many pediatricians are now recommending Meats as first foods due to the Iron content – but ask your pediatrician.

DAIRY- Around 8 months old, you should be able to offer plain whole milk yogurt and mild cheeses to your baby.

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