Meal Plan

Proper nutrition is particularly important in the first year of a baby’s life, because it lays down the foundation for a healthy development.

Babies are not born with fully developed digestive systems. Their bodies must learn to digest food. Breast milk is the best food for babies in the first 6 months. Alternatively, feeding your baby and easily digestible infant formula will also provide all of the nutrients needed.

But at some point the body’s own reserves of e.g. iron are exhausted and your baby will reach a point where her increased energy and nutrient requirements are no longer fulfilled through infant formula alone. At around 5 months of age, you can start introducing solid foods, known as complementary foods, to supplement your baby’s diet.

Signs that your baby is ready for complementary foods:

• Your baby is at least 4 months old and can hold her head alone and sit up without support.
• Your baby has lost her tongue thrust reflex, so she will not push foods out of her mouth with her tongue.
• Your baby will show interest in eating by reaching for your food and mimicking your chewing.
• Milk formula alone does not seem to be enough to satisfy your baby. 

 

Remember: not every baby is the same. But you know your child well enough by now to recognize when she is ready to start complementary foods. Start to slowly and calmly introduce the new foods. Your baby needs to process the new “spoon” motor processes and get used to the unfamiliar consistency of food. Do not be surprised if most of the food ends up everywhere except your baby’s mouth. You can use this time to get unforgettable photos that will definitely put a smile on your face later! Let your baby play with a spoon so that she gets used to the feeling in her mouth. Also, at this age, it is still perfectly fine for your baby to play with her food.