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What foods should I introduce to my baby?First foods in the infant feeding schedule need to be soft, smooth and plain. Try the following:
How often should I introduce a new food?Introduce one food at a time and try a new food every 5 days.
When can I give my baby lumpy foods?Finely pureed meat and chicken can be given from 6 to 7 months of age once your baby is used to solids. By 8 to 9 months of age, your baby will be able to have slightly lumpier food, so that finely chopped, rather than pureed, meat and vegetables can be added to the infant feeding schedule. From 6-7 months of age, your baby can have finger foods, like a rusk or toast. Always watch your baby when he is feeding as he could choke.When do I start to give solids before the milk?Once your baby is 8 or 9 months, you can give solids first before milk. Give finger foods as this will encourage him to learn to feed himself.Are there any foods I should avoid giving my baby in the first 12 months?Yes. Foods that should be avoided in the infant feeding schedule include:
When should I start dairy products?Dairy products include cheese, yoghurt and ice cream. They should not be started until your baby has been on solids and is eating a range of other food. Generally this will be around 9 months of age.If there is a history of allergy in the family, it has been previously suggested that the introduction of some foods, like eggs and cheese, should be delayed even up to 12 months of age. However, studies have not shown that there is clear benefit in doing this and some suggest it may be better to start before 12 months of age. So if you are concerned about your baby getting eczema, avoid dairy (cheese, yoghurt, ice cream) products in the first 6 months of life completely, and if you decide not to delay introduction of them until after 12 months of age, wait until around 9 months or so before trying them. For more information on food allergies, click here.Remember, do not give cow's milk before 12 months of age.
When should I start egg?Egg yolk (yellow) can be started once your baby is having a variety of foods, so usually after 7-8 months of age.If there is a history of allergy in the family, it has been previously suggested that the introduction of some foods, like eggs and cheese, should be delayed even up to 12 months of age. However, studies have not shown that there is clear benefit in doing this. So if you are concerned about your baby getting eczema, avoid eggs in the first 6 months of life, and if you decide not to delay introduction of them until after 12 months of age, start with egg yolk (yellow) after 8 months of age. For more information on food allergies, click here.
References
To read about the infant feeding schedule before solids, click here To read about food after 12 months of age, click here To go to the Newborn Baby page, click here To go to the Growing page, click here To return to the Home page, click here Last reviewed 22 February 2008
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