“What kind of baby food can I make for my 6 months old baby?” – isn’t that one the most popular baby food questions ever. We all know that breast milk or formula is the only baby food months after the birth, but how many exactly? And what kind of baby food should you start with? And what about food allergies? I’ll try to make some sense into all of that.
Baby Food Months 0-4
I can’t repeat this enough: the only baby food allowed during the baby’s first months is breast milk or formula. The baby’s pre-mature digestive system cannot handle anything else. Giving any other food to less than 4 months old babies may cause food ingredients (like whole protein) to pass the baby’s undeveloped gut into the the bloodstream and may cause food allergies.
Baby Food Months 4-6
Most professionals including the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) strongly recommends keeping the baby on breast milk of formula until the age of 6 months. I say – if updated research recommend doing that, let’s do it.
In any case you should look for signs that your baby is ready for solid baby food. By 6 months your baby should:
- seem hungry after a regular feeding
- be able to hold up his or her head (needed for not chocking)
- loose the reflex to use the tongue to push food out of the mouth
Baby Food Months 6-8
During these months you would still give breast milk or formula to your baby. Starting on solid baby food should be done gradually. It would take your baby weeks or even a few months to get from one tablespoon of baby food to a full solid baby food meal. Take it easy and slowly.
Since you are only starting to introduce solid baby food, months 6-12 should still be treated carefully. Look out for food allergies by introducing new foods one at a time and waiting 4 days after each one in order to isolate any allergic reactions.
First solid baby food may include rice cereal (because of its low allergic risk), avocado or purees made of carrots, sweet potatoes or squash, pureed apples and bananas. Although you can keep pureed baby food for months in the freezer, you would be better off using it during its first month of storage.
Baby Food Months 8-12
After 8 months, baby foods can extend some more: more fruits and vegetables, cooked egg yolks, pureed meat and yogurt.
You should still wait a few more months before giving your baby food like: cow’s milk, egg whites, citrus fruits and honey.
Baby Food Months 12 and beyond
Is this the end of limitations on your baby food? Months have gone by and your baby’s development had reached a more stable and secure stage. The risks from food like egg whites, cow’s milk and other’s are now lower.
A few more reminders about baby food in this age:
- 12 months is still a baby you should protect from allergies, chocking and other hazards
- Proper baby development requires fat. Do not limit fat intake until the baby is 2 years old.
- A few teeth is a good sign to start o finger food.