Written by Tamali Ghosh
Nothing could be cuter than a baby with food smeared all over her, but the mouth! Weaning a baby is an important milestone and indicates that your little pumpkin is growing. When it comes to introducing solids to your munchkin, you should be ready to have more food on you and her than inside her mouth! You always want to give the best first food to the baby and think about the best first foods for babies.
The baby is so small and cute, imagine how big would the stomach be. And with the still-developing digestive system, you need to ensure that her first foods are unlikely to be allergens and are easy to digest. It is an important responsibility of the parent to start solids safely and right. You cannot afford to make trial and error in this process. So first check for symptoms that your baby is ready for solids.
In This Article
Every baby should meet certain criteria before you decide to introduce solids to them. The key deciding factor is that your baby must have completed six months of age (1).
In addition, your baby must be able to
Once your baby reaches the above milestones, they can join you at the dinner table.
However, start with a one-meal-per-day concept for the first few weeks and slowly increase numbers, along with the new item.
Refrain from adding salt and sugar to your baby’s food thinking her food would be bland. Remember, the baby does not know sweet and salt, so they do not miss it.
[Read : Baby And Solid Foods: When And How to Introduce]
Below are a few highly recommended and healthy baby foods that are best while you start solids.
The best choice is to start with apple. Make sure you boil apples in filtered water and peel them off, smash the boiled fruit, and feed your baby.
The other best choice to start with is ragi. Though you get readymade ragi powders in shops, we suggest you buy the whole ragi, soak it for two hours, and blend it with water. Take this filtered ragi puree, cook it on low heat, let it cool, and feed it to your baby.
Once your baby is settled with one of the above-mentioned foods, smashed-boiled potatoes can be given.
Dal paani is a protein-rich food and can be the first liquid food for your little one. Boil the daal and give the water to the baby.
Carrots can be given in boiled and mashed forms. Remember to remove the center hard part before cooking to make it easy to cook and eat.
Rice water is a fiber-rich liquid food and is an excellent choice to provide nourishment and hydration to your munchkin,
Bananas are an excellent source of nutrition for babies. Smash the banana well before feeding to prevent choking. You can avoid feeding the center parts of the fruit with seeds during the initial days of introducing this fruit.
This healthy fruit can also be introduced to your baby in a similar fashion to apples. Boil and smash pears before feeding your little one.
Now your baby is ready for water-boiled, smashed rice. You can mix a little daal into the rice and slowly increase the proportion.
Soups are excellent sources of nutrition and hydration. You can start with basic soups such as potato or tomato. As your baby grows, you can introduce mixed vegetable soups.
Idli is a safe, versatile, and healthy food that can be given to babies easily. You can smash idlis in milk (if your baby is introduced to cow milk already) or water. If your baby enjoys a sour taste, idli can be smashed with curd too.
This nourishing vegetable can be boiled, smashed, and given to your baby. Beetroot rasam and soup are excellent choices too.
Soak oats, wash well, and boil in water or add milk (if your baby is introduced to cow milk already). Add jaggery while cooking or honey after cooking.
Boil an egg for min 10 minutes, separate the yolk, and feed it to your baby. As your baby grows older, you can introduce the egg white part too. You may need to be mindful if there is a family history of egg allergies.
Avocado puree is rich in nutrients. Just smash the avocado and give it to the baby. Sweet potato puree is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B6. Boil the sweet potato and smash it to feed the baby. For green pea puree, boil the green peas, and make a smooth paste for your baby.
Peach puree is similar to apple puree. Peach is the richest source of antioxidants which strengthen the immunity of the baby.
When you start solid foods for your baby, make sure that the foods are smashed, and smooth in texture. During this period puree and clear soups are the best options for your little ones.
Changing from liquid to solid can make your baby uncomfortable, they can gag or spit it up. Gradually their oral skill will improve and thicker consistency foods can be introduced. As the baby is in the learning process of chewing and swallowing, ensure that the baby will get the soft foods that are easily dissolved in their mouth and avoid choking hazards (2).
Here are some tips for cooking and preparing baby foods:
The above are a few foods that are highly baby-safe and easy to digest. A few tips below can help to make eating habits easier and healthier.
[Read : The 3-Day Wait Rule For Babies To Introduce Solids]
The Initial stage of weaning or starting solid foods for the baby can be stressful for the new mom. But it is a learning process for both the mother and the baby. Babies are learning how to eat and swallow foods which can take some time to adapt. Therefore, mothers need to understand that it will take time and effort to guide them on how to eat food. If you follow some tips then you can enjoy your baby’s initial days of learning.
After six months of the baby’s age, breast milk or formula is not sufficient. Weaning is important for babies’ growth and development (3). You may find multiple options for your baby but need to understand what are the best first foods for babies. It is a learning process for both of you. So, take your time and patience to closely monitor the baby and recognise their preferences which may help in the future.
You can start with fruit and vegetable purees. Veggies and fruits are rich in nutrients and easy to digest. In addition, babies would love the sweet taste of fruits and veggies.
Carrot puree and apple puree are the most common purees for babies. Both of them are appropriate for the baby’s taste buds and rich in vitamins and minerals that help in the baby’s development.
Your baby’s first fruits can be anything which may include smashed banana, apple, avocado, and peaches. Always try to provide them with fresh seasonal fruits for better nutrients.
References
Hypertonia in Babies – What is it, Top Causes and Treatments
Vicks VapoRub For Babies – Is It Safe?
FPIES in Babies – What is it, How Common and Symptoms
Liver Diseases in Babies – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Sex After C-Section – Is it Safe and When to Have
Top 8 Adorable Baby Girl Photoshoot Ideas at Home
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