My third baby is six months old today, and about a week and a half ago, he tried his first real food. Want to know what it was? Salmon! Not pureed, not mashed, and not mixed with breastmilk. Just barbequed salmon with a bit of olive oil brushed on before grilling, in pieces that were big enough for him to pick up and soft enough to easily break apart in his mouth.
Feeding from six to 24 months is often referred to as “the honeymoon stage of feeding” because babies and toddlers tend to accept foods well, experimenting with and tasting anything parents put on their trays, or offer by spoon. This is why picky eating rarely occurs during this stage and surfaces in the older-toddler or preschool years instead.
Last week we were eating turkey burgers around the dinner table when I couldn't help but notice my son watching my husband's every move. My husband put ketchup on his burger, so my son asked for ketchup. My husband put a tomato on top, and so did my son. He wanted to be exactly like Daddy. Then, when my husband served himself some salad, my son asked for some too (he's never asked for salad in his life and has always turned his nose up at it).
Introducing solids to your baby can be nerve-wracking and a bit overwhelming, especially when you're overloaded with conflicting information about what, when, and how to do it. You might be wondering if you should introduce iron-fortified rice cereal before six months of age to help your baby sleep through the night, or you may have read that purees aren't best and that finger foods are the way to go.
My daughter is two weeks shy of her six-month birthday and I think that we are just about ready to introduce her to one of life's true pleasures — food! I have no doubt that she is ready. She watches with intent as we eat our meals, she's sitting up and she reaches for food when I'm having a snack. As a second-time mom, I feel much more relaxed about weaning her than I did with my son.
Creating a healthy and safe atmosphere for your baby during meal times is really important for many reasons, but especially to help them establish a healthy relationship with food. Starting solid foods is huge milestone in your little ones life and it should be a fun, no-pressure, relaxed experience for them (and you!).
