First foods for baby

[**Jubes**]

Babies will be ready to start trying solid food at around four to six months of age. The World Health Organisation does not recommend introducing solids until six months of age - though this is a decision that each family need to make

To start with, your baby will only eat or taste small amounts. Over time, your baby will learn to eat and enjoy a wide range of foods. By around 12 months of age, your baby will progress from pureed or mashed foods to foods that are chopped into small pieces or dice.



How do I know my baby is ready for solids?
• Baby has good head and neck control
• Baby watches you eat and may try to get your attention by making noises ('talking to you') or reaching out for your food
• Milk feeds alone are no longer satisfying



Starting Out
Most babies start out with baby rice cereal. Mix about a teaspoon with babies milk (breast milk or formula) or with cooled boiled water. This can be offered to baby once or twice a day. Rice cereal has long been considered a good starting food for baby as it has a smooth, bland consistency and is gluten-free.

Gradually increase the amount of cereal being offered over the coming days, until baby is eating about 1–2 tablespoons at a time.






Moving On
Soon, you can introduce pureed vegetables and fruits fruits.
Give a new food every couple of days.As your baby gets used to solid food, increase the amount you offer at a feed.







Pureed Foods to try

Fruit- stewed apples, mashed banana, stewed peaches, stewed apricots

Vegetables - mashed potato, mashed pumpkin, steamed and mashed carrots.

You could use a fork to mash, a handheld blender, mouli, bullet blender







Do you have some favourite recipes or stories to share?
Some tips or other ideas to share?