Introducing solid food to your baby is an exciting time for most of the parents as they just cannot wait to see their baby’s face when they try mushy avocado or sweet banana for the first time. Moving your baby from milk to solids is the first big feeding milestone, which is followed by three baby food stages.
You may have mastered your baby’s feeding routine, whether by breast or by the bottle, you and your little ones are on the same page when it comes to mealtime. The best way to add solids to your baby’s menu is to introduce baby food in stages, starting with liquid purees before gradually moving towards foods with soft pieces. All this enables the baby to master chewing without teeth and work up to handle whole foods as they grow their teeth’s.
Below are some of the stages for your baby’s meal that you must follow to maintain your baby’s healthand diet properly:
· Stage 1 (4 to 6 months)
In this first stage, your baby will get their taste of solids. As per the reports of the American Academy of Pediatrics, solids should only be introduced when your baby can sit up with support and can hold her head up without any help. In addition to physical signs, you may watch for social signs that a baby is ready to begin solid foods-showing interest to watch others eat and acceptance of the eating process.
Baby food stage (4 to 6 months)
Your baby may also open his/her mouth when they look at the food and act hungry after nursing. Though your baby seems to be growing right before your eyes, be sure to offer appropriate serving sizes. Add new baby food to look at what your baby likes and dislikes.
· Stage 2 (8 to 10 months)
As your baby grows, they will show clear signs that they are ready to move on to stage 2. The tongue thrust reflex changes to allow the baby to pull food into the mouth and swallow it effectively, as per Hoglund reports. There will be minimal drooling and little food coming back out of baby's mouth. Your little child will probably be ready for stage two between the ages of 8 to 10 months.
Baby food stage (8 to 10 months)
Baby food introduced at this age is thicker and may have some small food pieces to eat. Babies do not have lots of teeth’s to eat, so you will surely need the food to be pretty strained. Your baby may also like soft mashed foods like bananas, potatoes, etc.
· Stage 3 (10 months)
By this stage, your baby has grown up to hold a spoon; they will have more teeth’s and can swallow well. Around 10 months or so babies can handle food with chunks and soft, easy to chew their foods. Your little ones may be eating quarter cup each, either of fruits, vegetables, grains or proteins at breakfast and lunch and small snack between meals, as per the reports of American Academy of Pediatricians.
Baby food stage (10 months)
Conclusion
Above all, have fun with your baby while treating him with all their favorite food. It is fun to watch babies progressing in their eating skills and exploring new tastes and textures day by day, but the most important thing is to buy the baby product from the right place. Therefore, you must buy good quality baby food products at a cheaper price so that it will balance your pocket as well as your baby’s growth.
