Starting Solids: What to Feed Your Infant
With all the possibilities and varieties of food to choose from, does it matter which one you introduce first? Absolutely! The last thing you want is for your little one to have an adverse reaction to her first foods. Here's a few pointers on where to start when it comes to feeding your infant solids...
- Phase 1: Safest Food First - Sweet Potatoes, Avocado, Brown Rice, Peas, Zucchini, Squash, Apples, Pears, and Bananas are considered the safest foods to introduce to your baby. It's recommended that you follow this list of foods before starting any others to acclimate baby to a new diet. You're welcome to mix up the order, but be sure not to mix two foods within a 3-4 day period. In case your baby does have a reaction to one of these foods, you'll be able to easily identify which one of them was the culprit.
- Phase 2: Low Risk Foods - Applesauce, Apricots, Asparagus, Barley, Beets, Carrots, Lettuce, Millet, Oats, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Rice and Tapioca are considered to have a very low risk of allergic reaction. Again, introduce one food at a time in a 3-4 day period. You can mix a Phase 2 food with a Phase 1 food as long as you've already determined that your little one does not have an allergy to the Phase 1 food. Being able to accurately distinguish which food your baby may have a sensitivity or allergy to is imperative. This way you can ensure you keep it out of his diet in the future.
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- The First Year NEVER List: Honey, Peanut Butter, Nuts, Citrus Fruit, Raw Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Corn, Eggs, Whole Milk, Wheat and Shellfish should never be introduced in the first year. Either they have a high allergy risk, or they're otherwise not compatible with baby's delicate digestive system.
- Food Allergy Symptoms: Gas, Diarrhea, Upset Stomach, Coughing, Weezing/Trouble Breathing, Swelling of the lips/eyes/face, Runny Nose, Irritability and Fatigue can all be tell tell signs of an allergic reaction. If you suspect your child is having an allergic reaction, call your pediatrician immediately! Allergic reactions can vary in severity and should never be taken lightly.
What was your child's favorite first food? Leave your comments below.