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Feeding Your Baby

August 26 By 8 Comments
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When you are a first time parent one of the questions that will run through your mind is what should I be feeding my baby, when should they start solids and what nutritional foods should I be giving them.

Note: This is general advice only, and while it is based off facts and information given by health care professionals, you should speak with your own health care professional about your child’s individual needs.

This is the natural way feed your baby during the first year. Some often refer to this process as the baby led approach.

0-6 months

Food Only breast milk. This is based on the World Health Organization feeding recommendations. This is based on demand feeding. Meaning that you will feed your baby whenever they are hungry (not to a routine).
Water None

6 – 12 months

Food If your baby is showing signs of readiness (able to sit unsupported, has a firm interest in food, and no longer has a tongue thrust reflex) You can start introducing solid food to your baby at this age with finger foods. Their main meals will still consist of breast milk, which is still their main source of nutrition. At each meal time offer finger sized portions of food to your baby. They will most likely make a complete mess of it, but this is a learning experience. There is no meal size just serve what ever amount they wish to eat.

  • Chopped Vegetables
  • Chopped Fruit
  • Have Yogurt as a dipping sauce
  • Pieces of meat

Basically anything in it’s natural form in pieces that can be held and not choked on.

Take note of that some foods may trigger allergies at an early age or should be avoided altogether for other reasons. This is not an exhaustive or complete list.

  • Honey
  • Peanuts / Nuts
  • Citrus Fruits
  • Diary
  • Eggs
  • Wheat
Water 50ml per day. This is not required in colder climates, but warmer climates it is a good idea to ensure they are hydrated. If you are in a colder climate but they are in a heated environment they may also require additional fluids from either water or breast milk.

This is just a guide and there may be reasons to do otherwise.

 

I’ve actually created my own guide to baby led weaning to bust some myths, and provide a no-nonsense guide to introducing solids. You can check it out here: www.babybookofweaning.com  

Baby Book Of Weaning

 

Filed Under: Baby Led Weaning, Breastfeeding, Toddler Health
  • http://www.mamawit.com/ Lori Ann

    Any tips/details on the water for the second 6 months? How hot is a “warmer climate”… it’s pretty moderate here, not hot but not cold either. Or is extra breastmilk from nursing enough? And how do you introduce water – bottle, sippy cup, regular cup, ?

  • http://www.mamawit.com/ Lori Ann

    Any tips/details on the water for the second 6 months? How hot is a “warmer climate”… it’s pretty moderate here, not hot but not cold either. Or is extra breastmilk from nursing enough? And how do you introduce water – bottle, sippy cup, regular cup, ?

  • http://www.naturalparentingtips.com Kiera Pedley

    Once you introduce solid foods is generally when you need to introduce water. However, if you’re offering frequent breasteeds, they can get all of their hydration from breastmilk alone.

    My children generally learn to drink straight from a regular beaker – a sippy cup helps save mess, but it’s a transitioning cup, and you have to be careful about their teeth.

    Warmer climate, well my climate in summer most days are above 35 degrees celcius.

    I offer my youngest frequent breastfeeds and have water available for my two elder children whenever they like it.

  • http://www.naturalparentingtips.com Kiera Pedley

    Once you introduce solid foods is generally when you need to introduce water. However, if you’re offering frequent breasteeds, they can get all of their hydration from breastmilk alone.

    My children generally learn to drink straight from a regular beaker – a sippy cup helps save mess, but it’s a transitioning cup, and you have to be careful about their teeth.

    Warmer climate, well my climate in summer most days are above 35 degrees celcius.

    I offer my youngest frequent breastfeeds and have water available for my two elder children whenever they like it.

  • Anonymous

    Is 6months still the guided age to start food? Our doctor (childhealth.com.au) says 4months. I’d love to do BLW but 4months is too early right?

    • http://www.KieraPedley.com Kiera Pedley

      Hi Ash,
      Yes 4 months is WAY too early, baby’s gut’s are simply not mature enough to handle anything more than breastmilk at that age.

      Generally physiological maturity to handle foods *begins* at 6 months – many babies aren’t quite ready until 8-9 months.

      If your little one is starting to demonstrate signs of enthusiasm for food, some of our favourite tricks at dinner time were frozen breastmilk popsicles :)

      Hope that helps xxx

  • Anonymous

    Is 6months still the guided age to start food? Our doctor (childhealth.com.au) says 4months. I’d love to do BLW but 4months is too early right?

    • http://www.KieraPedley.com Kiera Pedley

      Hi Ash,
      Yes 4 months is WAY too early, baby’s gut’s are simply not mature enough to handle anything more than breastmilk at that age.

      Generally physiological maturity to handle foods *begins* at 6 months – many babies aren’t quite ready until 8-9 months.

      If your little one is starting to demonstrate signs of enthusiasm for food, some of our favourite tricks at dinner time were frozen breastmilk popsicles :)

      Hope that helps xxx