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Introducing Solid Foods to your Baby

March 12, 2013 By Kara 2 Comments

[Guest post by Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Michael Smith, founder of Carolinas Natural Health Center. ] 

DSC_0437

The process of introducing foods for the first time to your baby needs to be thoughtful.  We live in a time where we are seeing and explosion of allergies, asthma, eczema, and other immune hyper-activity.  This is in part due to a dramatic shift in the food that we eat.  With more foods being genetically modified (GMOs), treated with chemicals, and processed in a way that produces new proteins that have never existed before in nature, our body’s immune system is constantly under assault and at times unsure how to respond.  The food we eat is the one thing we have the greatest control over, and it has a significant impact on how our immune system responds.  I have put together this food introduction schedule as a way to minimize allergic reactions by our little ones developing immune system.  It is broken down by months starting with six months based on what nutrients are most needed at each stage, and which foods are best tolerated at those ages.  

 

 

There are several signs you want to look for before starting this process.  

  1. Your baby should be able to sit up on their own, 
  2. They should show and interest in food, 
  3. They have developed their pincer grip (index and thumb), 
  4. They have lost their tongue-thrust reflex, 
  5. They may have teeth. 

These are good signs that your baby maybe ready to eat food. 
 

You want to keep the foods simple and only introduce 1 new food at a time, giving it 3-4 days before trying another new food.  The quality of their food and preparation of it is important as well.

 

Infant Food Introduction

Breastfeeding for the first 6 months is one of the greatest gifts you can give your baby.   Breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients needed for healthy growth, including antibodies and beneficial bacteria which help build their immune system.  Breastfed babies have decreased rates of eczema, allergies and asthma.  Babies have immature digestive systems, and we have found that introducing solid foods before 6 months can cause food allergies.

Solid foods should be introduced when your baby can no longer get enough energy and nutrients from breast milk or formula alone.  As your baby becomes more active, their calorie needs increase beyond what they get in breast milk or formula.   The digestive system is mature enough to digest a range of food around 6-8 months.  Wait until your baby is very interested in solid foods and exhibits signs of readiness including: appearance of first teeth, sitting up and ability to push food away.   It is best to start with foods that are easy to digest and relatively hypoallergenic, although breast milk or formula should continue to be their primary source of nutrition for the first year.  These are low allergy foods:

 LowAllergy

FOOD ALLERGIES

It is best to wait until 18 months, when your baby’s digestive system has become more mature, to introduce foods which typically cause allergic reactions.  If a food causes problems, wait 4-6 weeks before trying it again.   Contact your doctor if your baby reacts to the food a second time.

The top 8 allergenic foods which account for 90% of all food allergies are:8Allergenic

 

Other foods which may cause allergic reactions: OtherAllergenic

 

Introduce one new food a week, and watch for allergic symptoms including: AllergySymptoms

                          


6 MONTHS

When your baby is just starting solid foods, they will probably only manage to eat 1/2 tablespoon-sized portion the first few feedings.  As your baby becomes accustomed to eating solids, you will gradually increase the portion sizes. Remember that breast milk and/or infant formula provide most of your baby’s nutrition.

In communities around the world, the first food is the local staple.  Grains, roots and starchy fruits provide the additional calories your active baby needs.  Around 6 months, the iron stores your baby was born with begin to decline, and additional iron from foods is needed.   Vitamin C is also important, as it aids iron absorption.  Your baby’s first food does not have to be cereal, in fact, pureed sweet potato or yam is a great first food.   Continue to introduce a variety of low allergy vegetables followed by fruits to provide the additional nutrients your baby needs.  Everything must be cooked and pureed, with the exception of a few fruits, like banana and avocado.  Choose organic foods as much as possible.

6months

 

9 MONTHS

 Iron-containing foods that are more complex/allergenic can be introduced between 9-12 months.  Foods containing more fiber and protein are necessary.  Your baby also needs additional zinc for immune function.  You can increase variety for your baby by combining foods you have already introduced.   Spices can also be included at this time, but please avoid adding salt or sugar.  Your baby is ready for more texture, and foods can be softly mashed or chopped into small pieces.  Raw fruits can be introduced at this stage, and your baby is ready for finger foods they have established a good pincher grasp.

9months

12 MONTHS

Your baby should be very active and cutting molars around this time, and additional protein is very important.  Honey can now be introduced, but please use it sparingly.

12months 

18 MONTHS

More complex/allergenic foods can be introduced at this time, as your baby’s digestive system is more mature.  Your baby should now be eating the same thing as the rest of the family.

18months

36 MONTHS

Do not introduce peanuts/peanut butter before 3 years of age.  Cow dairy products, including yogurt and cheese, are not recommended at any time and should be avoided.

 36months

 

Dr Michael Smith, N.D.
p: 704.708.4404   
f: 704.708.4417
1126 Sam Newell Road,
Suite A   
Matthews, NC 28105
www.CarolinasNaturalHealth.com

Resources

Publications:

Complementary Feeding: Family Foods for Breastfed Children. (World Health Organization) http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2000/WHO_NHD_00.1.pdf

Guiding Principles for Complementary Feeding of the Breastfed Child.  (World Health Organization)

http://whqlibdoc.who.int/paho/2004/a85622.pdf

 

Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children: The Role of Maternal Dietary Restriction, Breastfeeding, Timing of Introduction of

Complementary Foods, and Hydrolyzed Formulas.  (American Academy of Pediatrics) http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/pediatrics;121/1/183.pdf

 

Books:

Infant Nutrition: A Holistic Guide for Health and Wellness for the Infant by Mark Percival, DC, ND

The Petit Appetit Cookbook: Easy, Organic Recipes to Nurture Your Baby and Toddler by Lisa Barnes

Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food by Jessica Seinfeld

Medical Nutrition From Marz by Russell B. Marz, ND, MAcOM

Websites:

Making Your Own Baby Food.  http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com

Foods to Buy Organic.  http://www.foodnews.org/

Common Food Allergens. http://www.foodallergy.org/allergens.html

Complementary Feeding.  http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/complementary_feeding/en/

 

Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Michael Smith, founder of Carolinas Natural Health Center. 

facebook.com/carolinasnaturalhealth
www.carolinasnaturalhealth.com
704-708-4404

Filed Under: Baby Food, Real Food Tagged With: Baby Food, Real Food

Comments

  1. Maurine says

    March 29, 2014 at 6:54 am

    First of all I would like to say excellent blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
    I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your
    thoughts prior to writing. I’ve had difficulty clearing my
    mind in getting my ideas out. I truly do take pleasure in writing
    but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are wasted simply
    just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints?
    Kudos!

    Reply
    • Kara says

      April 2, 2014 at 10:17 pm

      I’ve been using essential oils! The Valor blend is one of my favorites and I also love the Believe blend. Here is a description: “Believe™ essential oil blend has been reformulated with Idaho blue spruce and ylang ylang from the Young Living farm in Ecuador and has a pleasing aroma that is both grounding and invigorating. This blend contains Idaho Balsam Fir and Frankincense essential oils that may encourage feelings of strength and faith. With other complementary oils, the combination in this blend may help assist as you move to a higher level of awareness. As you are able to move past emotional setbacks and barriers, you will be able to reach your true, unlimited potential. Primary Benefits: *Encourages clarity and enlightening thoughts* *Brings a sense of peace and awareness and is spiritually grounding* *Promotes relaxation and confidence*” I’m a little bit of an oily addict now. http://www.lifesanity.com/how-to-buy-essential-oils-and-save-money/

      Reply

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About The Author

Kara grew up in Massachusetts. After attending college at the University of Minnesota and serving six years in the US Navy, she and her husband moved to Waxhaw, NC. Kara has run businesses of her own and now homeschools her 5-year old twins. She started living a healthier natural lifestyle in 2008. Kara currently blogs about her journey to a more natural, self-sustaining life by eating real food, gardening, and making her own cleaning and personal care products.

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The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

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