Next steps in baby’s solid foods adventure

Article

Oct 26, 2020

5 mins

Now that you’ve introduced baby to some new tastes and textures, you can start broadening their taste buds even further by offering a variety of healthy solid foods.

Let your baby set the pace. Every child is different, and you’ll be able to see what works best for your little food explorer.
Try different textures and flavours to broaden your baby’s taste.
Cook the same ingredients in different ways to see what goes down the best.
Baby see baby do, so be a good role model and let baby join in with family meals. Watching you will arouse their curiosity, and encourage them to copy you and join in.
Watch out for allergies. Common food triggers include: celery, cereals containing gluten, cow’s milk, crustaceans (shrimps, prawns etc.), eggs, fish, nuts, sesame seeds, and soya. Read up on what you should consider when it comes to baby food allergies vs intolerances. [https://www.babyandme.nestle.co.za/6-12-months/baby-allergies-and-intolerances]
Variety is key. Focus on the main food groups: dairy (always full-fat and pasteurised), grains and starches (rice, pasta, potatoes), protein foods (meat, fish, eggs, and lentils. Also nuts—crushed, ground, or as a smooth butter), fruit and veg (fresh, frozen or canned, but no added sugar or salt).
Don’t give up! You may need to offer your baby new foods and textures up to eight times before he enjoys them.
Offer water with every meal and snack.