Starting SolidsBy Vandana Chawla

Objectives

To understand:

• When to start Solids

• How To start Solids

• What to give as first foods and,

• Night Feeding

Are you in a hurry to introduce new foods?

.

Remember, foods should be introduced only when baby is Physically ready to

handle them.

Do Not Forcibly introduce new foods

When Is the Baby Ready For Solids ?

• Baby is around 6 months of age.

• Able to sit with support.

• Reaches & grabs for food.

• Trying to reach for plate.

• Mimic's your eating behaviour.

• Every child will have his own calendar.

Remember, immediate goal is to introduce new foods and

not fill up his tummy with these foods

Why to Wait ???

• Baby’s intestines & stomach need to mature.

• Young babies have tongue- thrust reflex.

• Swallowing mechanism is also slow.

• Baby should be able to sit.

• Very young infants are not equipped to chew.

• From a Nutrition perspective, milk fulfils all the needs till 6 months.

‘Let the baby show readiness for new foods

& then try new foods’

Feed Related Tips ….

• Offer new foods in the morning.

• Introduce one new food at a time.

• Start with rice cereals first.

• Do not use cereal as a ‘filling food’ .

• Next, comes well pureed strained veggies & fruits.

‘ Following a sequence will help thechild to adapt better’

Fruity & Veggie Tips….

• Start with bananas.

• Stewed apples/ Apple sauce another variation.

• Carrots & Sweet potatoes – nutritionally ideal food.

• Pears & Peaches are also good choices.

• Avocados an ‘ideal nutrient dense food’. Can be given with apple/pear sauce.

• You can also use ‘Hero Baby Jars’. For details, refer to

http://www.facebook.com/herobaby.mea#!/herobaby.mea?sk=app_10442206389

Tips for Night feeders

• Keep baby’s tummy full with frequent feeds during the day.

• Feed baby before you sleep.

• Don’t let baby sleep with bottle.

• Give your little one light massage before sleep.

• Sleep when your baby sleeps.

What Do I Do ??

If my baby cries,

If Thirst, give water & Not Milk, Not Juice

If Hunger, feed them appropriately

If Companionship, pick them up & Not feed them

Feeding with Love & Feeding themwhat they want will result in better Growth

First Year ……

A time to lay foundation for future ahead

• Encourage Healthy Eating.

• Introduce your baby to the world of varied foods.

• Allow the child to explore and enjoy.

• Discourage unacceptable behaviour in a warm way.

‘A wise and loving Mother offers Nutrition & Affection together’.

Any Questions…….

If you have any questions, please post them at

www.facebook.com/herobaby.mea