Solid Foods - Choices During the First Year

When you feed your baby in the first year, you must remember that there are certain foods that are safe for him during this period. There are also some foods that must be avoided.

Allergy Foods to Avoid

• Cow's milk especially with low fat content
• Honey or sugar
• Corn syrup
• Egg whites
• Meat with high fat content
• Salt in food
• Peanuts
• Sweets, chocolates and desserts

Some doctors may advise you against feeding your baby sources of wheat, citrus fruit and juices and tomatoes before he is a year old. However, some doctors do not have any objection if you feed them to your baby in the right way according to his age.

You can adopt the following guidelines when you start feeding your baby sources of nutrition other than breast milk. Some solid food that you can give your baby before he is a year old are:

• Cereals such as rice, barley, ragi and oats
• Vegetables without salt such as carrot, beans, sweet potatoes etc which are either in pureed, mashed or like finger foods depending on your baby's age
• Fruits without sweeteners such as bananas and apples in various textures depending on your baby's age
• Juices with no added sweeteners
• Finger foods such as finely chopped vegetables and fruits, rusks etc
• Cooked and shredded lean meat
• Cooked egg yolk
• Curd/yogurt

Remember to include breast milk or iron fortified formula along with his solid diet.