To the parent of an infant there's nothing more daunting than making the transition from breast milk and formula into the world of solid foods. Many pediatricians will recommend starting solid foods around six months of age to reduce the risks of food allergies and even longer if either parent is known to have an allergy.
As you prepare to start on solids, it's important to remember your infant's main source of nutrition at this point should be either breast milk or formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend starting infants on cow's milk until the age of one. Reasons for this delay include the potentials for iron deficiency anemia, as cow's milk is a poor source of dietary iron, and the development of allergies and intolerance. General recommendations are to start with whole milk because, at this stage, fat is important to the developing brain and central nervous system.
A common first food is rice cereal because it's easier on the digestive system than other foods. Once rice cereal is well tolerated, consider progressing to other stage one foods. A couple of guidelines: introduce just one food at a time and wait three to five days to make sure that there are no signs of allergies or intolerance before introducing a new food.
Many parents are concerned about additives and preservatives that may be present in commercial infant foods. Some alternatives are organic lines of baby food or making your own baby foods. There are references available on preparing your own foods that give some great tips and guidance but remember that this will take time and commitment on your part.
As your infant's diet progresses through the first couple of years there are some items to avoid: peanuts and peanut products because of the risk of allergies, and popcorn, raw carrots, and hot dogs because they pose the risk of choking.
Finally, just as with everything else in life, in our own food choices and attitudes, we are role models for our children. If they see us eating fries, they will naturally become curious! If you want them to have a healthy diet and to exercise, you need to model these behaviors for them. A healthy lifestyle starts early.
