So your baby is sending you cues that they want to start solids….they are watching you eat with a wishful look in their eye, opening their mouth every time you go to take a bite and trying to steal your spoon out of your hand.
Infants
Although the introduction of solid foods is important to meet your baby’s changing nutritional needs, this is also a time of discovery and experimentation and it is important to remember that babies will progress at different rates.
Brain development starts in utero, and while the cognitive, social and emotional parts of the brain will continue to development across the lifespan, a great deal of the brain’s ultimate structure and capacity is shaped early in life before 3 years of age [1].
At around six months of age, but not before four months old, infants start receiving semi-solid foods known as complementary feeding, mixed feeding or weaning.
As the baby grows from 6 months onwards, a diversity of micronutrients is required for his growth and development, in addition to macronutrients derived from protein, fats and carbohydrates.
Another form of micronutrient that is essential for growth and development during this period is the vitamin group, a family of compounds which as their name suggests, has essential roles in maintaining the health of growing tissues.
When your baby is around the age of 6 months, it is important to introduce suitable solids to satisfy his nutritional needs. It is at this age when breastmilk and/or formula doesn’t provide all the calories and nutrients your little one needs. Here are 5 signs that will tell you whether your baby is ready for solids
When your baby reaches 8 months of age, he is most likely ready for finger foods. Finger foods are foods that babies can pick up and eat by themselves. Since finger foods are small/bite-sized foods that are soft and diced, your little one won’t need their teeth to chew it. Your baby’s gum should be strong and have no trouble mashing the finger foods. However, it is important you look out for the signs that will tell you your little one is ready. Look out for these 5 signs
When your little one turns 10 months old, he has probably found his favourite foods. However, it is important that you continue to introduce new textures and flavours into the diet to ensure that healthy eating habits are maintained.
All growth and body functions require dietary nutrients to work optimally. Some of the most biologically necessary nutrients for babies (and adults!) depend entirely on dietary intake, as the body is not able to produce these nutrients on its own.
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Little Étoile is a Division of Max Biocare Pty Ltd, a part of Australian owned healthcare companies established in 2000.