Baby’s Foods: How and When to Introduce Foods

When it comes to baby’s foods, many parents experience some difficulty, especially those who are going through this experience for the first time. The arrival of the baby’s food introduction usually generates many questions, especially about what types of food the little one can eat and when this should happen.

Certainly, the food introduction stage is one of the main phases of a child’s development, where the baby begins to develop his taste. We cannot forget that everything he learns to eat from a young age will be reflected in the other stages of his life. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to your baby’s foods so that bad eating habits are not acquired from an early age.

And of course I couldn’t leave you alone on this new journey! To make the process easier, I prepared a post with information that will help you introduce your baby to food. Come check!

When should I start introducing food?

According to pediatricians’ guidelines, the baby’s introduction should begin from 6 months, as up to that age, both breast milk and formula are sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients during their initial development.

Therefore, after reaching 6 months, the baby’s foods can vary, introducing fruit foods, cereal food, certain vegetables, tubers, proteins and legumes.

However, these foods should be offered separately, preferably mashed with a fork to stimulate chewing and the recognition of flavors and textures. In this sense, it is not recommended to use a processor or mixer.

It is extremely important to mention that breast milk should continue to be offered for as long as possible. A good alternative is to alternate baby food with breastfeeds.

Baby’s first foods

Baby’s first foods should be introduced into the child’s routine gradually, as everything is new and they are not used to the different flavors and consistencies of foods.

This way, food introduction cannot be something sudden. It is necessary to be patient and respect each child’s time, who will most likelyyou will be surprised the food offered at the beginning. So, if your baby refuses at the first attempt, don’t be discouraged.

Regarding the foods offered to children, it is important to highlight that even if their daily routine is busy, preferably natural foods prepared at home. Remember, preparing your little one’s baby food yourself will get him used to eating a balanced diet from an early age, rich in nutrients that will help with his development and, at the same time, prevent long-term illnesses.

See some examples:

• Fruit porridge, only with crushed fruits without added sugar;
• Salted baby food (without salt or seasonings of any kind), with cooked and mashed vegetables;

Fruit porridge can be made with: apple, banana, papaya, pear, strawberry, kiwi, watermelon, melon, mango, etc.

To prepare savory baby food, you can use: potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, cauliflower, zucchini, chayote, cassava, corn, oats, beans, lentils and rice. Then, you can start introducing eggs and some types of meat.

Tips that will help you introduce your baby to food

We know that in the initial stage of food introduction, babies may find new flavors and textures strange. Therefore, the most recommended thing is to eat a little when and as much as you want. Furthermore, the amount offered daily should be small, serving only to complement the feedings that must be maintained. Check out other tips below that will help you at this time:

• There is no point in trying to exaggerate the quantities offered to the baby, as his stomach is small and he will not eat much.
• If your child refuses food, don’t force it. When he’s really hungry, you can try again.
• The best option is to offer baby food separately so that he or she learns to identify the flavor of each food.
• Offerto the little one natural foods, leaving to explore or explore and pick up food with your hands. This way you will learn to take food to your mouth.
• During meals, create a pleasant and fun atmosphere, always feeding the baby calmly.

Menu suggestions for babies aged 6 months to 1 year

Now that you have more information about baby’s foods, check out some menu suggestions that can help you on a daily basis:

Menu 1

Breakfast

1. Banana with oats

Lunch

1. Cooked broccoli
2. Cooked carrot
3. Grilled chicken

Afternoon snack

1. Mcooked action with cinnamon and chia

Dinner

1. Sauteed English Potato
2. Nipples
3. Beet
4. Fillet of cattle

Menu 2

Breakfast

1. Orange

Lunch

1. Braised zucchini
2. Tomato
3. Shredded beef

Afternoon snack

1. Melon

Dinner

1. Boiled English potato
2. Cooked carrot
3. Nipples
4. Roast Chicken

Menu 3

Breakfast

1. Kiwi

Lunch

1. Beet
2. Cooked sweet potato
3. Cauliflower
4. Scrambled eggs

Afternoon snack

1. Banana

Dinner

1. Cassava
2. Steamed broccoli
3. Tomato
4. Grilled chicken

Menu 4

Breakfast

1. Pear

Lunch

1. Sauteed English Potato
2. Pumpkin
3. Nipples
4. Grilled fish fillet

Afternoon snack

1. Strawberry

Dinner

1. Noodle
2. Cooked carrot
3. Cauliflower
4. Shredded beef