This week our beautiful boy turned 6 months. Up until now he has been exclusively breastfed, but this week we will begin introducing solids to our baby.
Each time that we reach this stage of our children’s lives, I always refer back to a great list that I received from my Maternal and Child Health Nurse. The list is over 10 years old and as such has solids being introduced as young as 4 months, contrasting to new advice which recommends waiting until baby is 6 months old before introducing solids.
I have modified the list with new information and incorporated it in the table below. All of the children are incredibly excited about the prospect of the baby eating food. I have tried to explain that for some time there will be lots of mess and not much eating, but it is very sweet that they are so interested. Babaganouski is already talking about letting me mash up some of his banana, so he can “feed baby all by myself”. It will be fun to see how this goes.
Introducing Solids To Baby
6 – 7 Months Pureed / Fine Mashed 1 – 2 Meals |
7 – 9 Months Mashed / Minced 2 – 3 Meals |
9 – 12 Months Chopped / Finger Food 3 Meals |
Rice Cereal | Oats Cereal | SUPERVISE |
Pumpkin | Wheat Cereal | Fresh fruit pieces |
Potato | Mixed Cereal | Rusks, Crusts |
Zucchini | Chicken Fish | Bread, Toast |
Carrot | Beef, Lamb | Butter, Cheese |
Apple | Yoghurt ,Custard | Margarine, Vegemite |
Pear | Peas, Beans | Pork, Tofu |
Banana | Rice, Lentils | Salmon, Tuna |
Kiwi Fruit | Soup (foods tolerated) | Celery, Cabbage |
Broccoli | White/Cheese Sauce | Cucumber, Green Pepper |
Cauliflower | All stewed fruit | Liver, Brains |
Avocado | Grated apple & pear | Herbs and spices |
Parsnip | Egg Pasta (see below) | Smooth peanut butter |
Broth | Introduce Cup | Cows milk ONLY on cereal |