It seems like everyone has an opinion on what you should be feeding your child- extended family members included. Some say starting with fruit will develop a lifelong preference for sweet things. Don’t kids need vegetables to thrive? Absolutely! But guess what- that’s not all they need. The important building blocks of vegetables such as vitamins, minerals and fiber can all be found in fruit as well. So don’t sleep on introducing a wide variety of foods to your little one. The key here is introducing a wide variety of foods consistently. Don’t stop at fruit! Don’t stop at vegetables! Seat your little one at the table with you, involve them in the conversation and model the joy of eating.
Here are some tips to starting solids:
- Begin with single-ingredient, easily digestible foods. Solids are a whole new world for your little one’s body (and belly!).
- Offer small, age-appropriate portions and watch how your little enjoys- or is surprised by- new flavors.
- Be patient, as it may take several attempts before a child develops a taste for a new food. In many instances, they have no baseline for comparison. All flavors are a brand new experience! It can take 17-25 trials of flavor before a preference is developed. Be persistent.
- Introduce one new food at a time and wait a few days before introducing another to monitor for any adverse reactions or allergies.
- Continue to breastfeed or provide formula as your baby’s primary source of nutrition, as solids are meant to complement milk feedings during the first year of life.
Transitioning your child to solid foods is an exciting next step in their feeding journey. We are with you every step of the way.