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Home > Children's Health & Parenting > First foods for babies

First Foods for Baby
by Stacelynn Caughlan

For about the first 6 months, breastmilk offers all that a child needs nutritionally.
Around 6 months other foods should be slowly introduced.

A suggested course of introduction is:

First 6 months	Breast milk
Around 6 months	cereals, including some iron-fortified ones
6-8 months	fruits and vegetables
7-10 months	protein foods (soy, legumes)
12+ months	wheat, dairy, nut butters, egg white

If there is a history of allergies in the family (hayfever, eczema, asthma, food allergies) exclude wheat and dairy for as long as possible, and avoid other allergens such as soy, corn, citrus, and egg. Although not always the case, early introduction may lead to food sensitivities.

If growth is consistent, according to your physician, then quantity of food consumed is not as important as quality - make every bite count! Be aware that vegetarian children are generally lighter than their omnivorous counterparts.

Try to limit high fibre foods and be sure to include high calorie ones (i.e. bran muffin vs avocado).

Before giving your infant any nutritional supplements (such as vitamin D or iron), speak with a qualified professional regarding their appropriateness and dosage.

EXCELLANT FOODS FOR BABIES UNDER 12 MONTHS

tofu
avocados
quinoa
millet
lentils
avocados
soy milk
soy yogurt
egg yolk
flax meal
sweet potatoes
oatmeal
cantaloupe
mango
apricots
pumpkin
chickpeas
coconut milk
brown rice
spinach
collards/kale
soaked dried fruits
blackstrap molasses
prune juice
kidney beans

 

Stacelynn Caughlan is a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Herbalist who specializes in Prenatal and Pediatric Health.