INTRODUCING SOLID FOODS

A SCHEDULE FOR THE FIRST FEW YEARS

For the first 6 months of life mother's milk is the only food required by most infants. The mother should be sure her nutritional needs are being adequately met. However, for various reasons of health, work, scheduling, culture or personal choice, many women decide they need to supplement their baby's breast milk.

Until around the age of 6 months the baby's digestive tract is not able to adequately digest most foods. Foods given too early may induce food allergies. A baby is usually ready for solid foods when she/he is able to sit up and is able to push food away. New foods should be introduced one at a time for several days. Allergic reactions should be looked for.

These include:

• Rash around the mouth or anus
• Diarrhea or mucous stool
• Hyperactivity or lethargy
• Redness of face, cheeks
• Runny nose 
• Allergic shiner (black circles under- eyes)
• Skin reactions (hives or eczema)

The following schedule for introducing solid foods to a breast-fed infant has been compiled of input from numerous naturopathic physicians who work extensively with infants and children. Most physicians suggest avoiding common allergens such as cow's milk, wheat, oranges, eggs and chocolate early in the introductory phase (up to the first year). It is best to introduce one new food at a time: preferably one every two to four days while observing for reactions, i.e. sneezing, runny nose, rash around the mouth, anus or urethra, a change in stool or personality. Non-allergenic foods should be rotated every five to six days to minimize sensitization, which may occur when the same foods are eaten once or twice daily for five to seven consecutive days.

6 months:

Hypoallergenic pureed, mashed foods containing iron:
If baby has not cut his first tooth yet, I recommend delaying introduction of solid foods. With the appearance of the first tooth the body begins to produce salivary amylase in the mouth - the first enzyme digestive food encounters and very important for proper digestion.                         
                                                                                   

Note: If the above foods are deemed too sweet, consider introducing them at 7-1/2 months of age.

9 months:                             

Note: be careful, the above foods at 9 months may be too difficult to digest.

12 months:   

18 months:

Foods high in B vitamins and calcium.

21 months:

                          
                        
2-3 years old:

Dr. Karen Fraser, BSc., ND
Naturopathic Physician

Nanaimo, British Columbia

Canada

Click here to return to Kid's Health main page.