Baby Food: An Overview

Introduction:

Research has revealed that mothers who introduced a variety of foods to their babies in the early days were less likely to report feeding issues as their children grew. When a baby is ready to eat foods with various flavors, they benefit since they are exposed to a wide range of nutrients. Babies are familiar with only sweet foods from the time they are born and other tastes like salty, sour, and bitter have to be learned.

What Is the Ideal Time to Start Solid Foods?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding in babies till six months of age. Formula-fed infants can be introduced to solid foods when they show signs of being ready to consume solid foods. It is advisable to discuss with a pediatrician (child specialist) before starting solid foods.

What Are the Food Requirements for Non-breastfed Babies?

Babies on solid foods need to be fed at regular intervals. A variety of foods have to be introduced to ensure that the baby gets sufficient nutrition. Food requirements for non-breastfed babies are as follows:

• Solid foods can be introduced to babies at around six months of age. This can be initiated by giving two to three spoonfuls of soft and mashed food four times a day, which will provide the baby with adequate nutrients without breastmilk.

• A six- to eight-month-old infant will require half a cup of soft food four times a day, along with a healthy snack.

• A nine to 11-month-old infant can be given a cup of food four to five times a day along with two healthy snacks.

What Are the Different Baby Food Stages Based on Age?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not list out any specific stages or steps but rather states that babies must be allowed to get acquainted with the process of eating, like taking food from a spoon, sitting up, resting between bites, and stopping the parent or caretaker when they feel full. These experiences sow seeds for good eating habits later in life. Many popular food brands sell baby foods based on four stages, but these are not standardized. These include:

• Stage 1: Stage 1 foods are recommended for babies between four to six months of age and usually have single ingredients like rice cereal or pureed fruits and vegetables.

• Stage 2: These include foods suitable for infants between seven to eight months of age and comprise a single-ingredient and combination foods that are strained rather than pureed. For example, apples, butternut, or carrot are boiled to soften and the water is drained. The softened food is mashed and given to the baby. A combination of flavors like veggie and fruit blends can also be given.

• Stage 3: Stage 3 foods are apt for infants between nine to 12 months of age and these foods have increased texture and contain small chunks which promote chewing skills in infants. These include scrambled eggs, soft cheese, cooked pasta, shredded meat, and so on.

• Stage 4: Stage 4 foods are preferred in kids who are over one year of age. The foods that are eaten by the rest of the family members can be given to kids at this stage or commercially prepared toddler foods can be given. Finger foods and small soft pieces of food from the parents' or the caretaker’s meal can be shared.

How to Know That a Baby Is Ready for Solid Feed?

Breastfeeding is recommended till six months of age. Solid feeds should be alternated with breastfeeding. A baby who is ready to take solid food shows the following signs:

• Baby can sit upright or straight with minimal or no support in a highchair.

• Babies can hold their heads for longer durations.

• Baby is hungry even after eight to ten breastfeeding sessions or 32 ounces in the case of formula feeds.

• Babies show interest in adult foods.

• Reaches for and puts things in the mouth.

• Retains the food in the mouth instead of pushing it onto the chin.

• Able to push the food with the tongue to the back of their mouth.

• Turn their head away if they do not want something.

• Baby willingly opens the mouth to spoon feed.

What Are the Signs That a Baby Is Comfortable With Solid Foods?

By 6-9 months of age, a baby will be ready to move from stage 1 to stage 2 foods. Every baby is unique and so they may take their own time to progress to different stages. Below are the general signs that a baby is comfortable with solid food and is ready to move to the next food stage.

• Tongue Reflex: At about 5 months of age, the baby will let go off their tongue thrust reflex and will not try to push away the food that is fed into their mouth.

• Want for More: Babies would have become well accustomed to stage 1 foods like pureed foods and their hunger increases and their quantity of food intake increases comparatively.

• Varied Choices: They would have become exposed to almost a variety of foods like vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and meat and usually will not display signs of allergy or intolerance at this stage.

• Happy Meal: The babies begin to master spoonfuls of stage 1 foods skilfully along with mouthing and swallowing making their mealtime a happier one.

While feeding solid foods to babies, the following safety precautions have to be kept in mind:

• Avoiding foods that could cause choking like popcorn, nuts, and seeds. Round foods like grapes and hotdogs should be sliced lengthwise and given to babies.

• Children under 12 months of age should not be given honey as it can lead to botulism infection (a rare but life-threatening condition caused by a toxin that damages the body’s nerves).

• Liquid foods like breastmilk, formula, or a little water can be given but juices should strictly not be given.

• The child should be held in place with a strap on a high chair and they should be monitored while they eat.

What Are Superfoods?

Superfoods are those foods that are laden with maximum nutritional benefits or values for minimal calories. They are also rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Superfoods are suitable for babies who are 6 months of age or older. The following superfoods are good for babies and toddlers.

• Bananas: These are rich in carbohydrates and fiber and provide sustained energy. Ripe and mashed bananas should be given to babies, and bananas can be given as finger food to older babies.

• Sweet Potatoes: These are rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and beta-carotene (an antioxidant that offers protection against cancer and clears free radicals). Cooked sweet potatoes can be mashed into a soft puree and given to babies, which is preferred for babies who have just begun to have solid foods.

• Avocados: Avocados are a richer source of protein than any other fruit and are enriched with 'good fat' called monounsaturated fat, which prevents heart disease. Ripe avocados should be washed thoroughly, peeled, mashed, and given to babies.

• Eggs: Egg whites are rich in protein, while the yolk is rich in zinc and vitamins A, D, E, and B12. The yolk also contains choline, which is found to be essential for brain development. Eggs can be avoided if there is any family history of allergy to eggs, or it is better to consult a pediatrician (child specialist) in case of any doubt.

• Carrots: Carrots are reservoirs of beta-carotene (antioxidant) that impart orange color to carrots. Due to their naturally sweet taste, they are liked by babies. The beta-carotene is converted to Vitamin A, which plays an important role in promoting healthy vision. Carrots are boiled, softened, mashed, and given to babies in pureed form or cut into small pieces and given.

• Yogurt: Yogurt supplies the baby with calcium, phosphorus, and protein, which are good for bones and teeth. Yogurt contains probiotics that promote good bacteria in the intestines, which is necessary for proper digestion. Sweetened yogurts should be avoided as they have high sugar content. Fats are also important for babies, so whole-milk yogurt can be given rather than low-fat or skimmed yogurts.

• Cheese: Apart from proteins, cheese contains calcium and a good dose of riboflavin (Vitamin B12). Swiss cheese is mildly sweet and can be liked by babies. Cheese should be cut into small pieces and given to babies, as bigger pieces can cause choking.

• Baby Cereal: Babies are born with ample iron content, but this can run out at around 5-6 months of age. Hence, iron-fortified rice cereals are recommended by pediatricians when introducing solid foods to babies, as they rarely cause an allergic reaction. Iron is essential for proper growth and development.

• Chicken: Chicken is rich in protein and Vitamin B6. Protein is necessary for proper growth. Chicken can be mixed with any favorite fruit or vegetable to make it palatable.

• Red Meat: Since red meat supplies an easily absorbed form of iron, it can be given in the form of meat purees to young infants and in the form of well-cooked diced pieces to older kids. The easily absorbed form of iron aids the red blood cells in carrying oxygen to the cells and promotes brain development.

• Butternut Squash: The sweet taste of butternut squash attracts babies and is rich in Vitamin C, potassium, fiber, folate, beta-carotene, B vitamins, and some omega-3 fatty acids. Butternut squash is steamed and boiled until it gets soft, and the puree is fed to babies.

• Fish: Fatty fish like salmon contain fat-soluble vitamins and essential fats that support brain development the immune system, and promote good eye health. Fish can be allergic in a few babies, so it is advisable to consult a pediatrician (child specialist).

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are reservoirs of the antioxidant pigment called lycopene that prevents cancer and heart disease. Few studies show that lycopene can be absorbed by the body in an efficient manner if the tomatoes are cooked with a little oil.

• Peas: Peas are overloaded with Vitamin K, which also aids in building healthy bones, just like calcium. They are also rich in antioxidant vitamins A and C, fiber, folic acid, and B vitamins.

• Raspberries: Among all fruits, raspberries are stocked with more fiber and fewer calories. They contain ellagic acid that offers protection against cancer.

Other superfoods include brown rice, pasta, and broccoli.

Conclusion:

It can be frustrating and pressurizing to decide which foods are healthy and good for babies. Babies and infants can take some time to adapt to the new tastes and flavors of various foods. A particular food should not be discontinued if the baby spits or refuses to eat. It should be introduced later, after a few days. Discontinuing certain foods can deprive babies of certain essential nutrients. It is better to consult a pediatrician (child specialist) in case of any doubt about baby foods.