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Starting Solids
Table Foods: From the Mushy Meal to the Main Course By Jessica Williams
| Babies need about: | Baby's have specific dietary needs. One of the most important parts of a toddler's diet is fat. In fact, about 30% of your baby's calories should come from fat. Limiting fat before your child is two years old is not recommended. They need this fat to produce calories and maintain steady growth. This is why pediatricians recommend giving whole milk, which is rich in fat. Some baby's weight seems extreme - either too chunky or too thin. Although there is an "average" weight for each age, many babies can fall below or rise above these weights and still be perfectly healthy. Your pediatrician can help you understand your baby's weight and recommend changes in diet, if he sees a problem. |
Babies eat smaller servings than adults. A serving of vegetables, for example, is about 1/4 cup. Babies need about 2-3 servings of dairy, 2 servings of fruit, 2 servings of vegetables, 2 servings of meat and 4 servings of grains everyday.
It will take time to work up to these servings, and sometimes a baby may be extremely picky about what foods he will eat during different stages of toddlerhood. This is common, and may be distressing to parents. You may need to get creative with your daily menu. While your baby won't be in danger if he eats only peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a few days, it obviously doesn't give him all the nutrients he needs. Many babies love to dip finger foods into sauces or dressings. If your son likes bananas, try giving him a small bowl of yogurt to dip the banana in. You can also mix certain foods with others to mask flavors or "sneak" certain vegetables into his diet.
With the introduction of dairy also comes the possibility of allergies. Milk protein isa common allergen, along with peanuts, citrus, wheat and corn. If you have a history of allergies in your family, you may want to introduce small portions of these common allergens and watch for a reaction. Allergy symptoms vary, but the most common are: runny nose, irritability, rash (mostly in the form of hives), and stomach cramping. Check with your pediatrician if you suspect an allergy.
