The when and what of introducing solids into your baby’s diet has become confusing.
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Advice on when to introduce allergenic foods such as egg and peanut has undergone recent change. In addition, the baby food aisle at your local supermarket has exploded with options.
The result: we are bombarding parents and creating misinformation.
Here is my advice on how to introduce solids into your baby’s diet.
WHEN
Solids should be introduced around six months of age.
My general rule of thumb: your child should be able to sit unsupported and appear interested in solids before you commence.
WHAT
Your baby’s first food should be pureed or mashed, advancing to soft finger foods around eight to nine months of age so by 12 months they are eating healthy family meals.
What should be introduced can essentially be a modified version of what you as a family eat. Children need to learn what foods are common in your family, so I recommend this start right from the beginning.
My only caveat is your baby does need iron-rich food. Looking for cereals/breads which are iron fortified and encouraging consumption of iron rich meats, fish, vegetables and legumes is important.
You may be surprised to know, Weetbix contains an equal or greater amount of iron per 100g as many of the popular ‘baby rice cereal’ brands.
ALLERGENIC FOODS
With regards to the introduction of allergenic foods such as peanuts and egg, the current advice is to introduce these before 12 months of age. Delaying their introduction can actually increase the risk of developing an allergy. For more information, check out the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy page on introducing solids.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, check in with your local GP or paediatrician.