Eating New Foods

The types of foods your baby eats will change over the next few months. Breast milk or infant formula is still the most important food for your growing baby. Sometime between six and eight months of age, your baby will be able to eat strained or mashed fruits and vegetables in addition to infant cereal. Try meats if your doctor says your baby needs more iron. You can tell when she is ready. She will show interest by leaning forward and opening her mouth. Her teeth may begin to appear. She needs to be able to sit up and hold her head steady in order to avoid choking.

Use a fork or potato masher to prepare your baby’s foods. The consistency of food you feed your baby should be like mashed potatoes. Foods such as ripe bananas and cooked apples, squash, carrots or potatoes are good to use. Be sure to remove any seeds from your baby’s food. Don’t add salt, spices or fats to your baby’s food. You can also use baby foods in jars.

Try new foods one at a time. Offer her one to two teaspoons. Wait one week before trying another new food. Watch her for any reactions like diarrhea or rashes. Choose plain foods rather than mixtures. Your baby may not like some foods. Don’t force her to eat. Wait for one to two weeks before trying them again.

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