At the age of 6 months, changes occur in the baby's diet. For normal growth and development, it requires vitamins, proteins and minerals. Breast milk or formula can no longer provide the baby's body with these components in sufficient quantities. It's time to introduce complementary foods. Introduce complementary foods with caution. The health of the baby and his taste preferences in the future depend on the correct acquaintance with new food.
Slowness and consistency are the keys to success
Not so long ago, early introduction of complementary foods was practiced. Now the dates have shifted to a later side, and the age of 6 months is considered optimal. There is an opinion that complementary foods should be started with the appearance of the first tooth. But sometimes teeth in children erupt rather late, closer to the year. In this case, it is inappropriate to be guided by this criterion.
Include new food in the baby's diet gradually and carefully. The second morning feeding will be the most optimal for the introduction of complementary foods. For the first acquaintance with a new food, a very small amount is enough, about half a teaspoon. The kid tried, but, of course, did not eat. Therefore, it needs to be supplemented with breastfeeding or a usual mixture. During the day, you need to observe the child. If a rash occurs or if there is a problem with digestion, the action should be suspended.
With the beginning of the introduction of complementary foods, the baby will change the color and smell of the stool, and odor from the mouth may also appear. This is a normal reaction of the body to a new type of food.
If there is no negative reaction, then the amount of complementary foods daily increases by 1-2 teaspoons. When the serving size reaches 150-200 g, you do not need to feed the baby. Within 1-2 weeks, one of the feedings is replaced by complementary foods. This happens when the baby has taken the unusual food well. If he doesn't agree to try a new product, you can't insist. We need to return to this venture in a few days.
Where to start and how to diversify your diet
It is customary to start the first complementary food with a one-component vegetable puree. Although there are no specific recommendations on this score. Some pediatricians advise injecting cereals first, especially if the baby is not gaining weight well enough. Choose vegetables in white or green. Zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli will do. Porridges are cooked in water, and only closer to the year they can be cooked in milk. Suitable for the first porridge:
- buckwheat;
- rice;
- corn grits.
Gradually, the child's diet expands. At 8 months he can eat cottage cheese, fruits; at 9 months - vegetable soup; then add meat and soups in meat broth. First, the food is given in a pureed state. With the appearance of teeth, it is enough to knead it with a fork. When the baby has learned to chew, you can offer food cut into small pieces. Until 1, 5–2 years of age, the last feeding should be left unchanged. Before going to bed, the baby should receive mother's breast or the usual bottle of milk formula.
Purchase special utensils for feeding your baby, and while eating, give him a personal spoon in his hands. This will make it faster and more fun to get used to the new way of eating.
