Baby's First Solid Foods - Feeding babies after 6 months.

Feeding babies after 6 months ensures they are ready for solids rather than an earlier age. Baby's first solid foods should begin with introducing one food at a time and about 2 teaspoons, gradually building up to 2 tablespoons after 2 weeks. Offer solids after the more important milk feed. Separate food groups about a week apart to discern if there may be any food allergies. After 6-8 months old, most babies can eat solids 3 times a day.

Some recommended solid foods are:

• mashed ripe banana mixed with breast milk or formula milk.
• smooth pre-packaged rice cereal prepared according to instructions.
• other soft cereals
• mashed cooked pumpkin
• mashed cooked sweet potato
• other pureed vegetables
• stewed apples
• finely chopped cooked chicken, fish or red meat.

Freezing baby food in ice-cubed trays makes meal times easy. Keep them frozen in small containers until ready for use.

From 10-12 months, finger foods such as finger toast with mashed avocado or pieces of soft fruits can be offered.

Always supervise eating time and never offer hard foods such as raw carrots or nuts as they are choking hazards.

Stop Tooth Decay: Only allow boiled water in baby's bottle if needed to settle baby at bed time. Milk or juice left on baby's teeth whilst they sleep can cause tooth decay.