If you are curious about what the experts say about introducing eggs or peanuts in the first year of your child’s life, be sure to check out the new USDA guidelines. These new guidelines recommend: “that introducing peanuts in the first year of life (after four months of age) may reduce risk of food allergy to peanuts.” The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are some foremost organizations promoting evidence-based research on ideal dietary habits.
You might wonder if it is time enough to thrust your baby into the world of solids.
Worry not; there are methods you can use to determine it for yourself.
Check if they can sit by themselves without relying on external support.
If their head rolls back or sideways, they are not ready yet.
See if they exhibit ample curiosity.
They have passed the test if they are inquisitive about what you just put in your mouth or what you just put in the bowl.
Confirm whether they still retain the tongue-thrust reflex.
If they impulsively push out whatever you put in their mouth, you will need to wait till they can get over it.
If they remain hungry even after their daily quota of breastfeeding or formula, they are ready for solid food.
You can buy solid foods or learn to make your own baby foods.
With that out of the way, now comes when we should introduce them to what solids?
Here’s our step-by-step guide:
4 to 6 months:
Rice cereals are recommended due to their rich iron content.
Introducing allergens is also highly recommended at this age.
Refer to some helpful advice on introducing allergens such as milk, peanuts, and eggs to our children.
4 to 8 months:
Purees are a great way to introduce fruits and vegetables.
8 to 10 months:
FInger foods are a great way to introduce foods to more advanced eaters.
Diced apples, bananas, avocadoes, or watermelons are perfect for that role.
9 to 12 months:
When they grow, you will know.
As soon as they can go smoothly through single-ingredient finger food, switch their diet to those of rougher textures such as yogurt, cheese, turkey, beef, and chicken.
Final Words:
While we can take our liberties in opening up new doors for our little ones, we should also remember that not everything should be on their plate.
Keeping some things away is a must to avoid potential choking hazards.