David Cummings is a devoted family member and a regular author on parenting topics. He is devoted to helping other parents create quality time with their families and to assist children-oriented organizations as well. As the manager of Bustling Baby, LLC, he locates baby products that appeal to both men and women, such as baby carriers and slings offering convenience for active parents, and Safety First Eurostar Travel Systems, which provide style and functionality
If you are a normal parent, you have heard some of the following comments from well-meaning family members, friends, and even complete strangers. Something that should be so simple - feeding your baby - suddenly becomes a confusing catalog of do's and don'ts.
"You should not give them eggs before they are one."
"Give her some cereal before bed and she will sleep through the night."
"No wheat in her diet until she is one or she will have an allergy."
And the best: "You're feeding her THAT!?!?"
If you are looking for guidance about feeding your baby, talk first to your child's pediatrician. However, these guidelines should help clear the picture for you a bit.
Starting Solids Is Not That Important
For the first year of your baby's life he needs nothing more than breast milk or formula for complete nutrition. Most pediatricians recommend that babies can eat solids to help them adjust to eating, but the main source of nutrition is the liquid.
You can start some pureed foods when your baby is between four and six months old. When your baby starts to show a lot of interest in the food you are eating, can sit up with slight support, and opens her mouth when the spoon comes her way, she is probably ready to start solids.
Many parents start with a single item, such as rice cereal. Feed the first food to your baby for approximately a week and keep your eyes open for any kind of reaction or allergy symptoms. If she takes to cereal well, you can continue to introduce solids one at a time. Traditional advice says to start with veggies, followed by fruits, and then meats, but you can start with fruit if you prefer. Pureed meats are harder to digest and it would be wise to wait until your baby is at least 9 months old or older and more able to handle digesting these foods.
Transitioning to Table Foods
As your baby gets better at eating the purees, start making the texture chunkier so she gets practice at chewing. When she is good at chewing soft chunks, you can gradually transition to finely cut table foods, but make sure everything is very soft.
You will probably worry about choking as you start feeding your baby table foods. Babies can choke, but for most kids the gag reflux is strong enough to prevent this if they get a hold of something they are not ready for. Of course, do not let your baby eat unattended, just in case. Give your baby a variety of tastes, but do not worry about how much she is eating since her primary dietary needs are being met by breast milk or formula. Soon your baby will be eating like a pro, so enjoy these early days of feeding your baby, and keep your camera handy to catch the funny faces and messy meals.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Baby: Baby R Us - One Stop Baby Shop
- Baby: Baby Gift Basket Ideas
- Best Baby Feeding Bottles
- British Baby Sign Language - an Introduction
- Baby Sleeping Schedule - 7 Tricks To Make Your Baby Sleep
- Expert Advice Regarding Baby Bouncers
- Baby Slings - Eliminate the Terror
- Baby Gifts: Shop for the Baby, Not the Parents
The Real Estate Market Is Very Rough, How About You, Are You Ready For It?
By: Jimmy Woodall | 10/12/2009Real Estate business is not an easy task. One has to be vigilant the pros and cons of the business. A lot of things to consider first and foremost the prices offered in the market of the particular house and how you were able to meet your budget. So just try to read this article about real estate and how to get into it.
Hanging a Tire Swing in Your Yard
By: Kasan Groupe | 10/12/2009A tire swing is a great addition to any yard that houses small children. It’s an old fashioned way to inexpensively create a play area for kids outside. With a new tire swing, you and your spouse can sit and relax on your patio dining set while your children take turns on the swing. When it comes to hanging your tire swing, follow these helpful instructions.
Hanging a Tire Swing in Your Yard
By: Kasan Groupe | 10/12/2009A tire swing is a great addition to any yard that houses small children. It’s an old fashioned way to inexpensively create a play area for kids outside. With a new tire swing, you and your spouse can sit and relax on your patio dining set while your children take turns on the swing. When it comes to hanging your tire swing, follow these helpful instructions.
Hosting a Twilight Birthday Party
By: swarm45 | 10/12/2009The Twilight series or saga is one of the most popular series, books and movies of 2009. In fact, it is arguably the most popular series since Harry Potter. Furthermore, since the series is only in the 2nd movie, New Moon, the popularity of the saga will only continue to increase. As with anything popular the number of people wanting to have a Twilight Themed Party will also increase. This is a guide on how to host a successful Twilight party.
A Guide to Yo Gabba Gabba Parties
By: Thor Hanso | 10/12/2009Yo Gabba Gabba is a children's show on the cartoon network that features a combination of two types of television segments: cartoon and live action sequences. The idea of the show is that DJ Lane Rock is the narrator and orchestrator of the whole show. DJ Lance Rock leads his team of friends which include Muno, Floffa, BroBee and Plex on quests.
Latest Green Ideas – Eco Friendly Furniture
By: Richard n Williams | 10/12/2009Lately, there have been some fantastic green ideas and new eco friendly products that have hit the market. Many of these green innovations have there basis in traditional and natural manufacturing methods such as craft work.
Where Can You View Death Records For Free Online To Check Peoples Death Certificate
By: James Nash | 10/12/2009Finding death records doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In fact finding of any type of records today is more than simple. It requires just some free time and access to the internet, nothing more and nothing less.
Sleep is a Skill That Can Be Learnt: Its Never too Late!
By: Lizzy Osmond | 10/12/2009I am guessing that you would like your toddler's bedtime to be a peaceful event without any tears or tantrums? What's more, I bet you'd be happy if your baby slept all the way through the night and woke up feeling fully rested. Before I say say anything else, I want you to know that I know precisely how it feels when your child does not sleep well. Each day is struggle and you feel as if you do not have the energy or will to make it through another day. You know that it would ...
Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat: Versatility at Its Best
By: David Cummings | 04/10/2009 | Home & FamilyEddie Bauer, the number one name in quality products, announces their new line of products for children. To top off their product line, the Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat has arrived. This front or rear facing car seat is a great addition to your baby gear from the...
Umbrella Strollers For Convenience
By: David Cummings | 29/09/2009 | ParentingUmbrella strollers are some of the most popular strollers available to parents and grandparents today. Umbrella strollers are extremely lightweight, highly portable, and convenient to store because of their smaller size. They are very cost effective and affordable for just about any family. Because of these reasons, umbrella strollers can...
Tandem Strollers - Take Two Along
By: David Cummings | 28/09/2009 | Home & FamilyWhile most people will only have one child young enough to ride in a stroller at any point in time, others may find that they have multiple young children. Whether they will have twins, or have one child right after the other, parents will need to determine whether or not...
Is There An Ideal Baby Carrier?
By: David Cummings | 27/07/2009 | Home & FamilyThe arrival of your new baby will cause you to learn new ways to carry her. Some babies enjoy being held seemingly endlessly. Finding a baby carrier can be a great way to make your life easier while also catering to your little one's desire to be close to you. There are many differing types of baby carriers and finding the one for you may be quite challenging.
The Basics for Choosing a Stroller Travel System
By: David Cummings | 21/07/2009 | Home & FamilyThere are many styles and functional types of strollers available, and parents must maneuver the myriad of choices available to them to determine which style/color meets their needs. Stroller travel systems help new parents make quick task of making two decisions, which car seat and which stroller to purchase.
The Basics of Car Seats
By: David Cummings | 29/06/2009 | Home & FamilyCar seats are one of the most important things that new parents buy for their babies. While they are a hassle to install and sometimes cumbersome to have on hand, in the event of a crash, they are the only thing that stands between your baby and serious or even fatal injury. As you shop for, install, and use a car seat, keep these basic safety tips in mind.
Baby Safety in the Home
By: David Cummings | 27/06/2009 | Home & FamilyIt is very important to keep your baby safe in all environments. Here are some tips to help ensure your baby's safety in your home.
Wear Your Baby For Convenience
By: David Cummings | 23/06/2009 | Home & FamilyIf you have a new little one on the way or recently arrived in your home you may be looking for just the right baby carrier to make life a little easier for you and your new arrival. If so, you've probably also been amazed at how many different kinds of baby carriers there are and wondered which is the right one for you and your baby.