Wednesday, 11 September 2013

In What Order Should Foods Be Introduced?

At 6 months babies need more iron in their diet so start with iron-rich foods. Introduce one new food at a time. Give the same food for 2 to 7 days before introducing a new food. This way, if your baby shows signs of allergy, this makes it easier to know which food is causing the problem.

Between 6-9 months:

Start with iron-rich foods:
  • Offer iron-fortified infant cereals mixed with breast milk or formula. 
  • Start with single grain cereals one at a time, such as rice cereal, then barley and oats. Watch for any sign of an allergic reaction to the new food introduced. Once you know your baby does not react to those cereals, you can introduce mixed cereals. The allergy risk for cereals is low. See below for more information on allergies.
  • At the same time as iron-fortified cereals, you can introduce iron-rich foods from the meat and alternatives food group, including meat, fish, poultry, cooked eggs, well cooked legumes and tofu.
After iron-rich foods:

  • Vegetables and fruit can be offered next. These foods provide important nutrients and add colour, texture and variety to your baby’s meal.  
  • Infants do not need to drink fruit juice. If you decide to offer fruit juice, use 100% pasteurized fruit juice (not fruit drink or cocktail). Keep portions small – no more than 60 to 125 mL (1/4 to 1/2 cup) per day.  Always offer juice as part of a meal or snack in a cup, not a bottle.  Keep in mind that whole fruits are more nutritious than fruit juice. Make whole fruit your first choice for your child.
  • Sips of water may be offered from a cup but don’t let your baby fill up on water.
To read more such article about baby feeding and nutrition.....Visit http://www.justthefactsbaby.com/baby/feeding-and-nutrition

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