Introducing Solids - 12 Tips For Success

By Maureen H Lawrence

You have made the decision.

On this specific date I'm going to start feeding my baby on solid food.

You will make this choice because your baby has got to the age when you have been advised that is what you should do or because your baby is really hungry and needs the food. You will be faced with many alternatives and lots of differing advice. Your baby did not come with an instruction leaflet that told you exactly how and when to start her on solid food. You may find the whole thing very daunting experience especially if you are a first time parent.

I have instructed many parents as to how to start feeding solids as well as how add new foods and flavor to a child's diet and raise a child who will eat a very varied diet.

Twelve tried and tested feeding tips

1. The best time to introduce a new taste to your baby is when she is really hungry but not when she is tired and cranky. Don't give her, her favorite food first otherwise she is less likely to want to try the new taste. In the beginning you may want to add a new taste to one she already likes but you then need to introduce the new taste on its own.

2. It is easy and much better if you can cook food for your baby and not use jars too often. This can be done easily as you can cook just once a week and freeze the food. Cook the vegetables and fruit, puree them and put them into an ice cube tray and freeze them. Once frozen place them in labeled bags or containers in the freezer.

3. When you first introduce a new taste to your baby she may react in a negative manner. This is normal. Parents may think that if a baby does not like a food taste the first time then it is best not to give that food to her for a few weeks. Instead try giving it to her for three or four consecutive meals and then she will often react a little more positively at each meal as she gets used to the taste.

4. Don't avoid giving your child a food just because you don't like it. Children will often eat things that their parents don't like if they are given it.

5. You can introduce spices to you child's food from an early age (not salt). If you do this you will raise a child who eats a wide variety different food tastes all throughout her life. As she gets older include a wide variety of different foods everyday and introduce your child to a well balanced diet from early in life.

6. Sometimes a baby may not be very interested in eating off her spoon; it can help if you let her smell the food. It might be the spoon that she doesn't like so using a different one may solve the problem. Never add solid food to your baby's bottle unless instructed to do so by your paediatrician for medical reason.

7. You do not have to heat up your baby's food. If your baby gets used to eating food at room temperature it will be easier to feed her when you are away from home.

8. Let your child enjoy exploring her food with her fingers, she will make a mess but this is part of the enjoyment. This is one of life's rich positive experiences and most children will enjoy it.

9. As soon as your child can sit confidently in her chair then think about eating as least one meal together each day as a family. Children learn a lot by watching and copying people. Set a good example to her by having a well balanced diet yourself. Try to make meal times a positive experience for all of you.

10. Many parents start there baby's on flavored yogurt this is not necessary. Instead introduce her to plain yogurt and fruit puree.

Here are some suggestions of the fruit you can use:

Apple sauce with a hint of cinnamon

Pear or apple

Cooked peach with apple, pear or banana

Mashed avocado

Apple or pear flavoured with blueberries

11. Steam all your vegetables and then use the water for sauce or gravy or add to soups.

12. Don't give your child food to pacify her as this gets her to associate being calmed with food and this can become a habit for life.

Remember children learn more by what they see you doing so set an exemplary example to your child.

You have to set this type example in every area of your life as you raise your child. You sometimes could use some free advice and simple tips from an expert.

Maureen the English nanny has been working with parents and children for over 25 years so join the community of people receiving her help

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