Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of baby’s life. After that you can start with introducing solid foods. Up to six months baby’s digestive system is not yet fully formed and simply is not ready for something that is not milk. Delaying the introduction of solid foods reduces the risk of allergic reactions. When you think it is time to start with solid foods, you should first consult pediatrician.

What is the best food for the beginning?

If you ask ten pediatrician this question, you will get ten different answers. Each pediatrician has their number of foods for the baby’s first food. The reason may be that there are no any major scientific evidence that will point to a certain solid foods. Your baby will show you if she or he like the food or not.

Rice flakes

In the market there are rice cereals for babies, enriched with iron, which are recommended as the first baby’s food. Rice cereals are easily digested and rarely cause allergies. Porridge with rice flakes can be made with mother or adapted milk, and with boiled water.

Apple

Apples are good first fruits for babies. At the beginning give just one teaspoon of the apple juice daily, for a week. After that you can give your baby apple puree. Most babies accept fruits as a first food, but later may refuse less sugary foods such as vegetables or unsweetened cereals.

Potato

Many mothers decide to give babies potato as a first solid food. Boiled potato (without any additives, especially salt) has a sweet and pleasant taste that most of the babies like.

Carrot

Unsalted cooked carrots can also be a good food for beginners. Mash the carrots with a spoon, add few drops of milk (breast or formula) and offer your baby.

Pumpkin

If you start with solid foods in autumn pumpkin is the right choice. Baked pumpkin have sweet taste that babies love.

Banana

Although during the first few years of baby’s life bananas play one of the largest role in nutrition, it is not very suitable like a first solid food. The only reason is the sweet taste that can make a problem for a later adjustment to a less pleasant taste.

Solid foods are introduced in baby’s nutrition gradually. Because of possible allergic reactions to some foods, should wait at least three days to the introduction of new foods. This will ensure if your baby gets allergic reactions (diarrhea, bloated stomach, gasses or itching) on what has reacted. If in the family there are people who are allergic to certain foods, you should be careful with introducing them to your baby.

Nevertheless, it is good to get used the baby to accept eating a wide range of foods, so it will get used to the taste and texture of each.

Every baby has a unique taste but shifts in diet should go like this:

1. Semi fluid porridge

2. Mashed or blended porridge of fruit or vegetables

3. Chopped foods containing meat and other foods rich in proteins.