Description

In this parenting tips videos learn about the ages that you should be introducing certain solid foods to your child's diet.

Transcript

Introducing Your Child to Solid food Host V/O: It’s a major milestone, your baby’s first bite. It marks a new stage in the development and independence of your child. But don’t be discouraged if the transition takes a little coxing and a lot of patience, it’s a messy job, but someone’s got to do it! Gina Conti: Hi baby, hi, you’re awake. Host V/O: 6-month old Emily is just waking up from her afternoon nap, and that means it’s time for lunch. Since Emily is under one-year old, she starts her afternoon meal off with a small amount of formula, but she doesn’t stop there! Gina Conti: We’ve got some peas, some squash and peaches… Host V/O: Just 2 months ago, at the age of four-months, Emily’s mother, Gina, started noticing her daughter was not fully satisfied at the end of a full bottle. Gina Conti: Emily was a very hunger, and she would drink all of her bottle and still be hungry and I had read in several of my books that that was a good indication that they were ready for the solid foods… and she was! Host /VO: Emily’s timing was perfect! Susan Baker: Babies should be started on solid foods somewhere between four and 6 months of age. At that time the baby’s extrusion reflex is disappearing and the baby has some hand eye coordination, and the acceptance of solid foods is much better. Host V/O: To avoid food allergies, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting your baby off with cereals, such as rice, then oatmeal or barley cereals, and then moving on to fruits, strained vegetables and meats at your child’s pace. And if you decide to make your own baby-food, here’s a few tips to keep your baby safe. Susan Baker: Parents can choose to mash adult foods to give to their babies, but they must be very careful that there are no lumps in it, that the foods don’t have a lot of additional sodium, and that they are really careful in how they store and prepare the foods. Host V/O: Whether store-bought or homemade, Doctor Baker says it’s also important to be relaxed and have fun when introducing new foods to your baby. By having a positive attitude towards food, your baby will come to think of mealtime as another fun, bonding experience. Gina’s found that to be true with little Emily. Gina Conti: You need to just really be relaxed and make it fun for them, and I think that helps them to be better eaters as well. Host V/O: And remember, getting messy is part of the game… so be prepared when the food starts flying! Gina Conti: You need lots of bibs. I prefer the ones with the vinyl backing because when it gets wet, it doesn’t go through to their clothes. Big burp clothes, little burp clothes. Mmmm, it’s good! Host V/O: With the discovery of new tastes and textures, your baby may also find a heightened sense of independence. Gina Conti: One time when I wasn’t paying attention, I was talking to somebody and I had it about right here and she grabbed it and shoved it in her mouth! Host V/O: But remember, just like many new experiences, eating from a spoon will take lots of practice! Gina Conti: When she first started, she still had a little bit of the reflux, where she would push the food back out, and now she’s gotten pretty good at bringing it to the back of her mouth and swallowing. Host V/O: Doctor Baker says if your child still resists, don’t force her… simply take a deep breathe and try, try again! Patience and lots of variety will be the essential ingredients your child needs to create a healthy relationship with food.