16/07/2025
You will learn a lot from this
Here are the Dos and Don’ts of Introducing Solid Foods to Babies — especially helpful for babies around 6 months and older:
✅ Dos
1. Start at the Right Time (Around 6 Months):
Begin when your baby shows signs of readiness — can sit with support, has good head control, and shows interest in food.
2. Offer One Food at a Time:
Introduce single-ingredient foods first to spot any allergies.
3. Start with Iron-Rich Foods:
Good first foods include iron-fortified cereals, pureed meat, lentils, and beans.
4. Make Food Soft and Easy to Swallow:
Steam, mash, or puree fruits, vegetables, and grains. No chunks.
5. Observe Baby Closely:
Watch for any reactions (rashes, vomiting, diarrhea) and introduce new foods every 3–5 days.
6. Include a Variety:
Offer fruits, veggies, proteins, grains, and healthy fats.
7. Encourage Self-Feeding (as they grow):
Allow finger foods and baby-led weaning when baby is ready.
8. Make Mealtime Enjoyable:
Eat together. Let your baby explore textures and tastes without pressure.
9. Give Sips of Water:
Start small amounts of water from a cup around 6 months, especially with meals.
10. Maintain Hygiene:
Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces properly before feeding.
❌ Don’ts
1. Don’t Add Salt, Sugar, or Honey:
Salt harms kidneys, sugar increases obesity risk, and honey can cause infant botulism (avoid until after 1 year).
2. Avoid Cow’s Milk as a Drink Before 1 Year:
It lacks essential nutrients and may cause digestive issues.
3. Don’t Force-Feed:
Follow your baby’s cues — stop when they turn away or refuse.
4. Don’t Offer Choking Hazards:
Avoid whole nuts, popcorn, raw carrots, grapes, hard fruits, or chunks of meat.
5. Don’t Use Leftovers Kept Too Long:
Purees should be used within 24 hours if refrigerated.
6. Don’t Rely on Only Smooth Foods for Too Long:
Gradually introduce texture as baby grows to promote chewing and oral development.
7. Don’t Compare:
Every baby eats at their own pace — don’t stress if yours eats less than others.
8. Don’t Introduce Many Foods at Once:
This makes it hard to identify what caused an allergy if one occurs.
9. Don’t Offer Fruit Juices:
They add sugar and can cause tummy upsets or tooth decay.
10. Don’t Ignore Allergic Reactions:
Stop the food immediately and consult a doctor if there are signs like swelling, rashes, or trouble breathing.
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