[Parenting) Food For Baby (6-12 months)

 

 

 Food For Baby (6-12 months)

WHAT TO FEED 

• Breast milk or formula: 
• This is still the most important source of nourishment for your baby. 
• Solid food: 
• Start introducing mashed or pureed solid food when your baby is developmentally ready, usually sometime between 4 and 6 months. 
• Begin to add lumpy and soft finger foods between 6-8 months. 
• You can begin to add chopped food and hard finger foods between 8-12 months. 
• Offer a variety of food from all of the food groups (vegetables, fruits, grains, meats/protein, dairy). 

WHAT TO AVOID 

• Milk: 
• Drinking dairy milk before 12 months may result in intestinal bleeding and serious issues for your infant. 
• Plant-based beverages: 
• Soy, rice, almond, and other plant-based milks are not recommended for your infant. In the case of dairy allergies or intolerances, your pediatrician will work with you to find an alternative infant formula option. 
• Honey: 
• In children younger than 12 months, honey may cause botulism, a serious illness. 
• Fruit juices: 
• Drinking juice can discourage your baby from eating other nutritious food that is not sweet. 
• Offer mashed fruits instead – they are a better source of nutrients! 
• Sugary drinks: 
• Avoid soft drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened teas. 
• Added sugars and sodium (salt): 
• When choosing food for your baby, check the food label and ingredient list. 
• Choose food with no added sugars and/or limited sodium.