Transition From Liquid to Solid Food In Babies

Baby’s transition from liquids (breastmilk or formula milk) to solids is a remarkable journey. This transition generally occurs when the baby completes 6 months. This is an event of celebration for most families. 

Purees of various fruits and vegetables are introduced to the baby. Apple puree, avocado puree, sweet potato puree are some of the ideal first foods for babies. Packed with nutrients, these purees are delicious as well as easy to digest for babies. The consistency of the pureed foods varies from chunky, coarse or smooth depending on the weaning stage of the baby. These purees can be prepared very easily at home for babies in the desired consistency with the help of steamers and blenders.

At first, single ingredient basic foods can be introduced to the babies. After this stage, cereals can be offered to babies. Later, a combination of various cereals can be given. It should be always kept in mind that foods should be for fun for babies less than 1 year of age. Primary nutrition for babies below 1 year of age should always come from either breastmilk or formula milk.

Babies should ideally be fed freshly prepared home-cooked food. Ready-made packed baby foods should be avoided for kids. The commercial varieties of baby foods contain added salt, sugar, milk solids and preservatives which are harmful for babies. Cow’s milk contains complex proteins which are difficult to digest for babies and should never be offered before the baby's first birthday.

At the onset of the semi-solids journey, a 3-day rule should be followed. The same food should be offered to babies for a continuous period of 3 days preferably in the morning or in the afternoon. Any manifestation of allergy with food should occur within the period of 3 days.

Feeding time for babies is bound to be a fun yet messy affair. To make the experience a comfortable one, babies should be made to sit in booster seats or high chairs. This designates a particular place for feeding for the babies and instills a sense of discipline in the babies right from a young age. Use of booster seats or high chairs also build up the habit of self-feeding in babies.

Feeding accessories for baby:

Baby needs a variety of feeding accessories, namely:

• Plates, spoons and bowls: Cutleries such as plates, spoons and bowls are essential baby feeding accessories. These should be made of non-toxic materials free from BPA. Steel containers, BPA free plastic containers or food grade bamboo containers should be used for feeding babies. Suction bowls made of silicon can also be safely used for babies.

Bottles should be avoided in babies to avoid nipple confusion. Moreover, bottles harbour a lot of germs on the edges and on the surface. Feeding babies using a bowl and spoon is the best option.

• Bibs are a must-have item for babies during the feeding journey of babies. Bibs prevent the mess done by babies during mealtime. Baby food can be stored in air-tight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nasrin Zaman is a software engineer by profession. She likes travelling to various places and enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature. She also loves photography and reading various kinds of books in her leisure time. Connect with her on Facebook or Instagram.

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