As babies grow, their nutritional needs change and solid foods can provide them with additional nutrients, such as iron and zinc, that may be lacking in breast milk or formula. Starting solid foods can also help babies develop their motor skills and help them learn to eat from a spoon or pick up food with their fingers. It can also introduce them to new flavours and textures, helping them develop a varied palate.
However, it’s important to note that solid foods should not replace breast milk or formula entirely, as they are still the primary source of nutrition for the first year of life. Solid foods should be introduced gradually, and parents should watch for signs of readiness, such as the ability to sit up unsupported and show interest in food.
Here are some common misconceptions regarding solid foods:
- Babies must start with pureed foods: Some babies may be ready for mashed or soft finger foods as their first solid food.
- Babies need to eat 3 meals a day: Breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition, and solid foods can be introduced gradually.
- Babies must finish their entire meal: Letting babies control how much they eat can help them develop healthy eating habits.
- Babies must try all foods by a certain age: There is no rush to introduce them by a certain age, and it’s essential to watch for signs of readiness.
- Babies need to eat bland food: Babies can enjoy a variety of flavours, and introducing different tastes can help them develop healthy eating habits. You can use date powder from Slurrp Farm to add that extra sweetness to your purees.
- Babies must start with one food at a time: Introducing multiple foods at once can help babies develop a varied palate. You can start with an instant porridge mix that includes all nutrients and can be one source for all.
- Solid foods will help babies gain weight faster: Solid foods should not be introduced for weight gain but rather for complementary nutrition.
- Babies need to start with vegetables before fruit: The order of introducing foods does not matter, and babies can start with either fruits or vegetables.
- Babies should not eat allergenic foods: Introducing allergenic foods early and often may help reduce the risk of food allergies.
- Babies should not eat spicy foods: While babies may not tolerate very spicy foods, they can enjoy a variety of mildly spicy foods.
- Babies need to start with jarred baby food: Homemade purees can be just as nutritious as store-bought baby food and help develop a varied palate.
It is important to keep in mind about allergies while starting new food. Please consult your paediatrician before starting solid foods.