Once your baby is ready for solid foods, introducing it to them can be a fun experience.If unsure, you can ask your pediatrician when you can start feeding your child with solid food.

 

However, it is important to remember that there are specific foods that should not be given to your young one until he/she reaches a certain age. 

 

Here are 4 best and worst foods for your baby:

 

• Avoid: Honey

Although it is delicious and healthy, it should not be given to your little one until he/she turns one. Honey can be present with a certain strain of bacteria which can cause “infant botulism.”

Give: Iron-Fortified Baby Cereal

Most parents, when their little one is ready for solid foods, start by offering iron fortified baby cereal which is easy to digest. Other than the usual rice cereal, you can also try barley or oats.

 

• Avoid: Soda or Packaged Juices

These kinds of drinks have zero nutritional value and may damage your little one’s growing teeth.

Give: Fresh Fruit Purees

You can experiment and use different fruits such as berries, bananas, apples, mangoes, pears and plums for fruit purees. Make sure not to give it to him/her before bedtime as it may cause tooth decay.

 

• Avoid: Big Chunks of Meat

Big chunks of meat may pose a choking hazard, together with big vegetable pieces, cheese, nuts and seeds, and grapes. Avoid giving it to your little one while he/she is still learning to chew food properly.

Give: Pureed Lentils and Meats

The protein nutritional needs of your baby can still be provided by giving him/her lentils and lean meats, as long as they are cooked thoroughly and pureed so that it is easier to digest. Avoid cured meats as these have high sodium content.

 

• Avoid: Cow’s Milk

Cow’s milk is difficult to digest for babies and may cause abdominal issues. Formula Milk or breastmilk are still the best sources for your little one at this stage.

Give: Yogurt

Yogurt without additives such as plain whole milk yoghurt is as nutritious for your baby but it is important to remember that you can only give it to him/her after he/she turns 6 months. It is rich in healthy fats, minerals, vitamins and proteins. You can mix small pieces of fruit to it to add flavor.

 

At the end of the day, moms only want the best for their little one, and that involves food. And though some types might sound appetizing and healthy to us, we should bear in mind that there are proper stages for your baby to experience these kinds of foods. Their safety is still a priority.

 

If you are having trouble feeding your baby or he/she is experiencing stomach problems since you introduced him/her to solid food, give us a call.