The World Health Organization still recommends, that you breast feed your baby for up to two years. For many women this is not always possible, so discuss your options with your pediatrician. Usually, solids can be introduced between the ages of 4 to 6 months, when most babies are developed enough for their first taste of solids. Signs that your baby is ready for baby foods; is when your baby loses the extrusion reflex that is needed for sucking a breast; your baby can sit with some help, and hold their head and neck up well; the birth weight has doubled, and after the bottle or breast-feeding your baby cries for more.
4 to 6 months is when your baby's digestive system can handle solid food, and, possible allergies. Your baby may reject the texture of baby foods, if you wait until your baby is too much older than 6 months. Also, at 6 months, your baby's natural stores of iron begins to deplete, and iron-fortified cereal grains will help replace this loss. The iron in breast milk is more readily absorbed, even though, there is more iron in formula than breast milk.
Usually, the first baby food given is a cereal grain. The most commonly used cereal grains world-wide are wheat, barley, oats, rye, durum, spelt, triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye), rice, corn, sorghum, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, fonio, amaranth, teff, kaniwa, einkom, emmer and kamut. Grind or process the grain to a powdery consistency before adding milk, formula or water. If you can, buy an iron-fortified single-grain cereal like rice, oatmeal or barley.
Give the same cereal for 3 to 4 days to see if there are any allergies. Allergic reactions can cause hives, a rash, or more serious reactions such as swelling or breathing problems. The more serious symptoms need immediate attention from a hospital or physician. Repeat this procedure for other cereals that you might try. Mix 1 Tbsp. cereal grain with 4 to 5 Tbsp. liquid (breast milk, formula, or water), and heat until warm to touch.
If you have a microwave, mix ¼ cup cereal grain with ¼ to ½ cup unheated liquid; warm at medium(50% power) for 15 to 30 seconds, stir, and test the temperature (microwave ovens can cause hot spots) before feeding. Invest in the spoons designed for your baby's smaller mouth. Keep a record of what you have given to your baby and when. Depending on how many cereal grains you try, gradually, start adding fruits or vegetables, one at a time for 3 to 4 days each; green beans, peas, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, apples, bananas, peaches, pears, prunes or whatever is available in your area.
To learn the likes and dislikes of your baby, do some trial and error; mix and match of cereal grains, fruits and vegetables. Steam or cook then puree or mash and add a little liquid until you have a gruel like consistency. Fix enough baby food at 2 to 3 ounces per serving 2 to 3 times daily to last 3 to 4 days, which would add up to a total of 24 ounces, and refrigerate or freeze.
Many experts say it doesn't really matter whether liquid or solid comes first in a meal. At bedtime the comfort of milk at the end of a meal might be preferred. Some mothers give the milk first then give the baby food as a treat. Others, try to have a set schedule of giving milk or formula at certain times of the day in between the baby food feedings. Just be flexible, and develop a routine that works best for you and your baby.
Be ready for an experience to remember, and a little, or a big mess. The way your baby opens their little mouth wide open, and lifts up their little chin is worthy of unlimited photo's, video or posting sessions!
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