Baby’s First Foods, Healthy Habits

We welcomed our third child, a sweet baby girl, in May. She is now 6 months old, and we will begin to introduce solids soon. This is a fun and exciting milestone in a baby’s (and parent’s) life. Unfortunately, today we are often bombarded with unhealthy baby-food products, processed baby “first foods,” and unnecessarily sugary baby snacks. Because of this, parents may be unsure of what is healthiest for their infant and what foods to start first. When I think of baby’s first foods, I look to what our ancestors were feeding their infants. I am certain it did not consist of baby cereal, juice and other highly processed refined-carbohydrate foods. Many children today are picky eaters because they are introduced to sweet foods early on, and do not have a palate for bitter foods. Childhood obesity is a nationwide epidemic and has been shown to be linked to the foods introduced during infancy. Check out my tips for introducing solids to your little one. » When to introduce solids — infants from birth to 6 months should only receive breast milk (for optimal nutrition and health benefits) or infant formula (if unable to produce breast milk). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, an infant’s feeding reflexes and digestive system are not developed enough to start foods before about 6 months. Some studies even show obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes and celiac disease linked to solid foods being introduced too early.

Many mothers may want to rush or introduce solids too early. But try to resist this urge. This will come soon enough. A sign that an infant is ready for solids is when he/she has good head control and can sit up without support. » Homemade baby food — for the healthiest baby-food option, I recommend making your own baby food. When you make your own, you know exactly what is in it. Many baby foods contain small amounts of added fillers to achieve the desired consistency. To make baby food, simply steam, boil or bake foods until they are soft, then use a food processor or blender to puree them. The convenient jars and squeeze packs of baby food do not contain the nutrients of fresh-steamed vegetables and meats made at home. » Don’t start sweet foods first — baby rice and cereal are commonly started first in our Western society. However, this is a poor first-food choice for babies. First off, cereal and rice do not contain the valuable nutrients that are found in vegetables, healthy fats and protein-rich foods. Starting bitter foods first, such as vegetables, helps to create healthy eating habits. Cereal and rice are naturally sweeter and can create a desire for sweeter foods for your child. Keep in mind that infants are already predisposed to favor sweets, and it is up to the parents to introduce other flavors like bitter, sour and savory early on. Introducing a variety of tastes and textures are crucial to help create healthy eating habits and preventing picky eaters later in life.

» Introduce water as beverage — I have heard countless times from mothers that their child does not like to drink water. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of only introducing water for your child’s fluid intake. Juice should never be introduced. If you want to ensure your child is a water drinker, introduce only water as their beverage option (at about 1 year of age). If your child is started on juice, they will prefer sweet beverages and will crave it over water. Consuming whole fruit is the best way to obtain the fiber and nutrients from fruit, never from juice. » Best first foods for baby — my list of baby’s first foods are nutrition-packed foods that can help set the stage for your baby’s health. This list probably looks a lot different from what we have been taught is ideal for baby’s first foods, which may be why obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol are now found in children, unlike 100 years ago. » Greens — infants need iron, and one of the best sources of iron is greens. » Healthy fats such as avocado, wild-caught salmon, bone broth and cooked egg yolk — babies need healthy fats for their brain development. » Meats (preferably organic) which are high in iron, healthy fats and protein.

» Unsweetened kefir or unsweetened yogurt — for probiotics to support gut health. » Sweet potatoes » Squash » Carrots » Banana mixed with avocado in introduction phase considering banana’s high sugar content, so baby does not get too used to sweeter flavors right away.