momstown Oakville moms and babies meet weekly at
ellephysio for our
Baby Basics program. The program is for moms with babies 0-12 months and each week there is either a speaker, a chance to do a
craft with baby and there is always lots of time to connect and chat with other moms. This week the topic was introducing solid foods to your baby. Our guest speaker was
Naturopath, Dr. Michelle Peris who talked about starting with pureed foods or using the baby led weaning method.
Below are some of the tips and information she shared with our group. Be sure to visit Michelle's blog for great recipes for baby purees including
Sneaky Green Apple Sauce!
FOOD INTRODUCTION
When? 4-6 months is your baby’s nutritional requirements change significantly. Foods can be introduced as early as 4 months, although it may be best to wait until at least 6 months to ensure that they can digest food properly.
Does your baby watch while you eat? Your baby may be ready. The ability to sit in a highchair and pick up food with their thumb and forefinger are also signs of readiness. A good rule of thumb is that if they are reaching for it they are probably ready.
What to eat?
-Foods that are the least allergenic and easily digestible.
-It is advisable to begin with certain organic fruits and vegetables.
-Iron requirements substantially increases at the 6 month mark therefore selecting foods that provide adequate iron is of utmost importance. Iron fortified grains (ie. rice cereals) are not a great introductory food.
-With growing concerns of food sensitivities you need to know how to introduce foods in such a way to ensure that they can be identified and avoided to prevent further discomfort for your baby. Continue to nurse or formula feed your baby during this process.
General introduction instructions:
-Select one food at a time every four days. This way you can observe your baby to see if there is a sensitivity and you do not have to question which food it was that is causing problems.
-Peel the skins in the beginning as these are too fibrous and will be difficult for your baby to digest.
-Lightly steam your vegetables to soften and be sure to include the water used to make your puree or use breastmilk.
-Make your purees very smooth for initial introduction. The consistency can become more thick and chunky as your child matures, preparing them for solid food.
-Add herbs and spices to your purees such as dill, parsley, basil, cinnamon and cumin. This develops a diverse palate, making them more open to different foods as they grow. I would add herbs and spices after you have completed individual fruit & veggie introduction. This way if your baby has an adverse reaction you will be able to identify which ingredient your baby is sensitive to.
Tips from Dr. Michelle Peris
-Get your child involved in the process: let them feed themselves, hold the spoon, let them get dirty and allow them the time to required to feed themselves.
-Let them taste the foods as your prepare it: Sitting them in their highchair as you prepare the food helps them to see the process of making food. Letting them taste it throughout engages them in the process and helps them to establish a relationship with food from a very young age.
-Do not feed them when you are busy: sitting at the table enjoying the process will not only help them establish a healthy routine but also ensure proper digestion and reduce risk of adverse reactions
-As you go through the list of new foods you may find that some are more constipating than others. A gentle way to help your baby is to have your house stocked with prune juice to give them as needed.
Interested in meeting other new moms in Oakville and connecting? Join us for our weekly Baby Basics program.
Sign up for a 4 week trial or purchase your membership
here. Membership is just $45 for an entire year and includes all of our programs, our 24/7 message board, member discounts and more!
