We're thankful for our friends at Kea Babies for curating this list of tips for parents to consider before starting babies on solid foods. Plus, we've put together a list of our favorite feeding products available now at Nesting.
1. Get the timing right
While the American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to start solids sometime between four and six months of age, readiness varies among babies.
It's very important to watch your baby carefully. Follow your baby's cues to see if they continue to seem hungry after a regular bottle feeding. If your baby also begins to show interest in your food, it may be time to start with single-ingredient foods. After giving your baby a new food, make sure to watch for rashes or other indications that your baby has a food allergy --and discontinue those foods.
Beyond that, be sure to follow their cues to ensure you don't overfeed. It's not healthy to offer a Thanksgiving feast at every meal-- start slow with one-ingredient foods and don't force your baby to eat everything in one sitting if they begin to lose interest. Their loss of interest is a big clue that let's you know they're full. If your baby doesn't seem too excited about solid foods at first, don't fret - not all babies develop on the same timeline. Take a break, and try again in a few weeks.
2. Aim for a variety of flavors and textures
Variety is important in your baby's diet. Babies can enjoy experiencing different smells, textures, and flavors. However, it's important to remind you to avoid sharp foods, circular foods and large portions that may cause chocking (ex: grapes and hot dogs need to be sliced down and quartered.)
Although parents should avoid giving their baby salt or sugar, it is safe for babies to eat foods that are cooked with spices-- just be sure to introduce them slowly so you can watch for allergies. Making your own baby food can be a simple and fun way to start solids with your baby. Simply steam fruits and vegetables, and blend with water or milk to form a smooth consistency. Nesting has a variety of products available now that are perfect for creating healthy, homemade baby food purees (see below)!
Don't give up on a food easily. If your baby doesn't seem interested in a food, be sure to offer it again later so they have plenty of opportunity to try it multiple times.
3. Get the technique right How you feed your baby is just as important as what you feed your baby. A baby should only eat in an upright (not reclined) position, preferably in a high chair designed for infant safety. This can prevent choking. Parents can also explore either spoon-feeding or allowing babies to feed themselves. Either way, expect feeding babies to be a messy affair! Here's a list of our must-haves for baby weaning!
Designed and developed with the help of leading physical therapists, this booster seat slightly rotates the baby’s pelvis forward to engage the muscles responsible for proper upright posture. It was developed for natural and health hip development. The seat provides enough room for chubby legs and splays their hips for healthy hip positioning and natural hip development.. Additionally, the Upseat comes with a tray for playtime and feeding purposes. It's ideal for floors, as a booster seat for chairs, and dining areas.
Our multi-functional 6-in-1 food processor can steam, blend, puree, warm, defrost and sterilize. The extra large capacity makes about 11 cups of fresh and nutritious food in minutes. All-in-one design that cooks, blends, warms and defrosts your food, can be used as a bottle warmer/sterilizer reducing the need for separate appliances and saves on counter space. With three blending speeds it can make food from chunky, to smooth, to creamy!
Available in three color options, the Sweetie Spoon has a looped handle that is easy for baby to pick up, complete with a braided pattern that adds texture as well as style! Made entirely of food grade silicone, Sweetie Spoons are gentle in baby’s mouth and are intended for ages 6 months and up.
Designed by a Pediatric Feeding Specialist, the First Foods Set by EZPZ teaches baby to eat and drink independently. It comes with a tiny bowl, tiny cup and two tiny spoons.
The 5 ounce tiny bowl includes a large stable base mat that not only catches messes, but it also suctions securely to the table and has a beveled edge which prevents tiny hands from flipping it over.
The tiny weighted cup has tactile bumpy grips on the bottom which prevents it from tipping over easily. The soft silicone material is made special so it protects baby's tiny developing teeth and the open design activates lip closure and tongue elevation for proper drinking -- plus it's the perfect tiny size for your baby's perfect tiny hands!
Finally, the First Foods Set comes with two tiny spoons that are narrow to fit safely and comfortably inside baby's tiny mouth. It has a slight arc perfect for dipping and scooping. Sensory bumps provide sensory awareness to decrease gagging and chocking. And, the non-slip grip handle is short, fat and round to help baby grasp it easily.
Check it out in three different color options. Plus, compare it with our Mini Feeding Mat Set for more experienced toddler eaters (also available in three colors).
As you begin offering your baby solids, you'll learn that you can't have enough little food containers with lids. All of a sudden, all of your leftovers become the perfect infant serving-size, and they make baby food DIYing a breeze.
This ideal bowl set available now at Nesting is practical for storing and transporting baby meals. They are safe for use in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher, and come with a screw on leak-proof lid for safety, 100% airtight seal and a mess free environment.
PLUS, get them half-off when you purchase either a Babymoov multi-functional 6-in-1 food processor or Babymoov Turbo Pure Sterilizer & Dryer (offer available in-store only and cannot be combined with other sales and promotions.) Simply mention this blog article at the register for your discount!
EZPZ's book, "Making Mealtime EZPZ: Fun Ways to Fill the Happy Mat," is the perfect companion for family mealtime. It is a great resource for parents wanting to create snacks and meals that are fun and eye-catching-- which goes A LONG WAY as you encourage picky eaters to try new things. Plus, it'll give you suggestions on how to begin inviting your littles to help in the kitchen. The book includes recipes, food art instructions, beautiful and descriptive photos, and lists of Superstar Foods with information on the benefits of playing with food and "clean eating" facts.