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How to Introduce New Foods & Achieve Nutritional Balance

How to Introduce New Foods & Achieve Nutritional Balance

DEVELOPMENT
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NaN MIN

Here's What You Need To Know:
  • Confused faces are common when introducing new foods to your baby. They are trying to figure out the taste and how to eat the food.
  • Because babies are used to a nipple, it takes time to understand that food can also come from a spoon.
  • It can take a dozen or more tries before your babe grows accustomed to a new food.
  • The foods that you give your baby will help establish their dietary preferences for life, so it’s important that you give them a variety of fresh, organic, whole foods.
  • Eating habits start at conception and last a lifetime. Make sure to eat whole foods while your bun is in the oven.

Food For Thought:

Introducing new foods to your babe takes patience and perseverance. Sometimes it seems like they love a food right away, and other times they are pushing the spoon away. There will be days when your baby’s appetite is ravenous, and days where they won’t eat a thing. This is especially true as they move through growth spurts. So, how do you achieve nutritional balance for your baby, no matter what kind of day they’re having? We are here to help.

1. What do I do if they dislike it?

Don’t worry! Adorable, confused faces are common when introducing new foods to your baby. Not only are they confused by the taste, they are also trying to figure out how to eat them. Up until trying solid foods, they’ve only recognized the nipple as a food source. It takes time to understand that food can also come from a spoon. Not to mention, swallowing food is more difficult than swallowing milk.

2. How long until they like a new food?

The guidelines vary, but in general, it can take a dozen or more tries before your babe grows accustomed to a new food. It’s important to continue to allow them to try different foods, even if it seems like they don’t love it at first. The foods that you give your baby will help establish their dietary preferences for life, so it’s important that you give them a variety of fresh, organic, whole foods that will nourish their bodies and help them grow. Patience is key.

3. My baby likes solid foods, but I don’t think they’re eating a balanced diet. What do I do?

No need to panic. At the very beginning, it’s perfectly normal for your baby to not eat a perfectly balanced solid food diet. Remember, at about 6 months they are still getting the large majority of nutrients from breastmilk or formula. The key is to continue to introduce a wide variety of foods. Soldier on!

4. I’m not sure if my baby is getting the right balance of nutrients every day. How worried should I be?

Once they transition to a fully solid diet, there might be days when they don’t eat from certain food groups. Rather than looking at your baby’s food intake daily, look at it on a weekly basis. As long as your baby is achieving balance during a full week, then you’re doing just fine.

How do I decide what to give my baby next?

This is ultimately up to you as the parent. In the early stages, we encourage giving your baby a variety of foods and textures. This includes avocado, banana, steamed veggies, and scrambled eggs. As your baby progresses, you can move towards more complex flavors and textures, such as cooked beans, whole wheat toast, smashed berries, and roasted root vegetables.

Your baby will eat whatever you give them, so it’s up to you to provide them with healthy, nutrient-dense options. Don’t be afraid to venture out – this can be a great time to introduce your baby to new flavors and reinforce healthy eating habits for the rest of your family.

How do I decide what to give my baby next?

This is ultimately up to you as the parent. In the early stages, we encourage giving your baby a variety of foods and textures. This includes avocado, banana, steamed veggies, and scrambled eggs. As your baby progresses, you can move towards more complex flavors and textures, such as cooked beans, whole wheat toast, smashed berries, and roasted root vegetables.

Your baby will eat whatever you give them, so it’s up to you to provide them with healthy, nutrient-dense options. Don’t be afraid to venture out – this can be a great time to introduce your baby to new flavors and reinforce healthy eating habits for the rest of your family.

Summary

Your developing little one deserves only the best. We promise that even the pickiest babies can eat a healthy and balanced diet. As long as your little one eats a variety of whole foods, they will get plenty of nutrients. Many of the most vital nutrients are found in multiple sources. For example, meat and fish are iron-rich, but iron is also found in lentils, beans, and spinach. Focus on giving your babe a variety of veggies, starches, and grains.

Eating habits start at conception and last a lifetime. Make sure to eat whole foods while your bun is in the oven. It will set your little one up with a lifelong love of nutritious food.

About the Author
Chelsea Hawk

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