There is much controversy over what age to start solids and what to give, with many experts suggesting that it should be delayed until six months. However, many parents feel pressured to start their babies on solids earlier than this and are concerned about following the "back to sleep" guidelines for reducing the risk of SIDS.
First 100 Foods For Baby - Chart
Here are 100 foods that are suitable for babies before the age of one:
If the chart above is unsuitable for your baby, you can pick any from the chart below:
- Mashed potatoes (pureed with milk)
- Pureed meat (chicken, beef, pork)
- Pureed fish (salmon, tuna, cod)
- Nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew)
- Cooked pasta (small shapes, no sauce)
- Bagel with cream cheese
5-Step Feeding Framework For A Baby Before 1
Feeding a baby takes work. It's a learning process that takes time and a lot of trial and error.
But some fundamental theories can help you navigate the process better.
Here are five steps to feeding your baby:
- Choose easy-to-digest food, like breast milk or formula. Babies given foods that aren't easy to digest can develop allergies or digestive issues later in life.
- Refrain from introducing new foods too quickly or frequently, as this can make it harder for your baby to digest them properly. Introduce one new food at a time and wait until your baby has accepted it well before introducing another new food into his diet again. This will also allow you to see if there are any allergic reactions after each new introduction.
- Feed your baby when they show signs of hunger, such as crying or fussing, rather than on a schedule alone because this gives them more control over their eating habits and makes them feel more independent, which helps build self-esteem later in life.
- Don't give in to caving into every cry for food because this will make it harder for you both later in life when your toddler doesn't want to eat. If you cave in and give them what they ask for, they will want more and more until they're eating like crazy (and probably getting sick).
- Aim for small amounts of food several times a day rather than large amounts less often (toddlers and preschoolers should eat about five small meals or snacks daily).
Keep Milk On The Menu For Babies Before 1
Milk is an integral part of a baby's diet until they're 2 years old because it provides essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamin D, essential for growth and development.
Babies should be started on solid foods by the time they are 6 months old. If you start before that, it can cause digestive problems and allergies. Babies should be given iron-fortified infant cereal mixed with breast milk or formula until they are 1 year old, or as directed by your doctor.
Once they reach 6 months old, introduce other foods into their diets, such as fruit, vegetables, and meat. Always offer new foods one at a time so you know if there's an allergic reaction.
Katie Ferraro 100 First Foods
Katie Ferraro is a registered dietitian, nutrition educator, and author of the book "Introduction to Solids & 100 First Foods". The book guides introducing solid foods to infants and offers a variety of nutritious and easy-to-prepare foods for parents and caregivers to offer their babies.
The book includes the recommended age to start solid foods, signs of readiness, and how to introduce new foods to the baby. It also provides tips on food preparation, portion sizes, and encouraging healthy eating habits from an early age.
One of the book's unique features is the list of 100 First Foods, which includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats that are appropriate for babies starting at 6 months of age. The list is organized by food group and provides a range of options to help parents and caregivers offer their babies a diverse and nutritious diet.
FAQs
What Is BLW Food?
Baby-led weaning (BLW) introduces solid foods to your baby, avoiding spoon-feeding and purees. Instead, you offer your baby pieces of food she can pick up and feed herself as she wishes.
It's important to know that BLW isn't a technique but a philosophy – no rules or guidelines exist. Still, it allows your baby to decide when they are ready for new foods, which may differ significantly from other types of weaning methods.
Do Doctors Recommend Baby-Led Weaning?
Some doctors recommend baby-led weaning as a safe and effective way to introduce solid foods. Others have concerns about the potential choking risk and the ability of infants to consume enough nutrients from whole foods alone. It's vital to discuss feeding options with a healthcare professional and consider the individual needs and development of the baby.
What Foods To Avoid Before One?
What do you need to avoid eating before one of your babies? Here is a list of 100 foods to avoid before one of your babies:
- All raw fish, mollusks, and crustaceans (including oysters)
- Raw eggs and foods containing raw eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise, Caesar salad dressing, and hollandaise sauce
- Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, or seafood
- Unpasteurized milk and any products made from unpasteurized milk (such as some cheese)
- Soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, blue-veined cheese, and queso fresco that are made with unpasteurized milk
- Ready-to-eat deli meats unless they have been heated until steaming hot
- Non-heat-treated, non-pasteurized juices (including fresh squeezed orange juice)
- Unwashed fruits or vegetables that are not peeled by you - including bagged salads and berries (unless packaged in sealed containers)
Which Vegetable Is Good For Baby Brain Development?
Leafy green vegetables are some of the most nutritious foods on the planet. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals but contain nitrates, which can help improve brain function in babies.
The best leafy greens for baby brain development include:
- Spinach (cooked) - 1 cup: 46 mcg
- Kale (cooked) - 1 cup: 56 mcg
- Romaine lettuce (raw) - 1 cup: 50 mcg
Which Vegetable To Start First For Baby?
Babies' most common first foods are mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
Do Babies Reject Milk After Starting Solids?
No, they accept milk after starting solids. The baby may still need breast milk or formula when he starts eating solid foods because he needs extra calories and nutrients until he gets used to eating solid foods. So don’t worry about it!
