Between the fourth and sixth month, the introduction of solid food begins, preferably at the age of five months. By that time, the baby began to sit, the swallowing reflex was fully developed, as well as the digestive system, which is now able to perform digestion other food next to milk. Here are some simple principles, as well as a table containing all the foods in the order of food introduction, which will help mothers to carry out this process properly.
Preparation – It is necessary to prepare cutlery, in the form of dishes, spoons and dishes in which it is cooked. Recently, there is a kitchen appliance that can steam and than blend food. The food should be mashed first, and later kneaded, and when the baby has 6 to 8 teeth, the food can be chopped.
Basic rules for introducing solid foods ‐ The introduction of solid foods is carried out gradually for two main reasons. It is first necessary for the baby to get used to the new tastes and it is important to avoid possible allergic reactions. For this reason, individual foods are introduced for 3 to 4 days, approximately 2 foods per week. Previously introduced foods can be combined with new foods. It is best to prepare food fresh and give it to the baby after cooling.
Proper introduction of solid foods creates healthy eating habits. The baby should be fed in a feeding chair near the dining table where family members dine, never in front of a TV, computer or mobile phone. Food should be given in sufficient quantity, but do not insist that baby must eat all foods, especially not foods that doesnt like. If the baby refuses new food, you should not give up, offer the same food again in two or three weeks.
Type of food – First, rice is introduced in the form of porridge, as a neutral food where there is the least possibility of allergies. There are rice porridge in the market that do not contain gluten, lactose or sugar, so it is best to start with these. Vegetables and fruits can be introduced alone or together with rice or oat meals. It is recommended to introduce vegetables first, because when the baby feels the sweet taste of fruit, she usually refuses vegetables later.
Amount ‐ Always introduce 1 to 2 teaspoons first, 3 to 4 teaspoons the next day, 5 to 6 teaspoons on the third day. We believe that the whole meal is taken if the baby eats food from a full bowl, which is from 150 to 200 ml
Milk – breastfeeding or use of milk formulas should be continued. Infant’s daily needs for milk and dairy products up to the age of one year are between 600 and 900ml. It is best to start and end the day with the milk. Meal schedule – Meals should be introduced slowly, one meal at a time, and at the end of the first year the baby should have three meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and if possible 2 snacks. There are several suggested schedules: 1) breakfast – fruit; lunch – vegetables; dinner – cereals; 2) breakfast – cereals, lunch – meat and vegetables, in the afternoon – fruits.
It is allowed – put a few drops of olive oil in the vegetables to improve the taste. According to the latest recommendations, the introduction of wheat flour (gluten) is not recommended before the fourth or after the seventh month. Give water half an hour before or half an hour after a meal. Give the egg yolks gradually, first one eighth, next time a quarter, half and finally the whole egg yolk, up to twice a week, together with the vegetables.
Not recommended – by the end of the first year – cow’s milk, honey, salt, sugar, nuts (walnut, almond, hazelnut), seafood, egg whites.