Editor’s Note: Happy Friday the 13th! This morning we have Dr. Amy Wells on the subject of solid food introduction – a big step in the life of our tiny people. Here she is:

As my newest little man is watching my every mouthful of food, I’m wondering how he’s going to hold out for solids for another two months! I’m feeling awfully guilty enjoying my yummy dinner while he’s sitting there with those big yearning eyes. Don’t worry, I tell him, your time is coming!

Introducing solid food to our wee ones is such an exciting time for parents. We’re so anxious to set up the highchair, film those funny faces and determine their favorite food. It is also our time to establish healthy eating habits that are going to set the foundation of their relationship with food for life.

When introducing foods to infants, the digestive system and immune system are called into action. Breast milk is easily assimilated by the baby and doesn’t put much pressure on either system. The goal is the same with solids – to be digested and absorbed without insulting the digestive tract or alarming the immune system.

There are known foods that are considered neutral or non-allergic foods and are thought to be the best to introduce first. Due to proteins and chemical structures, some foods have a higher risk of eliciting an immune response, which can result in food intolerances, sensitivities or allergies. These foods are often best left out of the diet until the child is at least two-years-old and the immune system has matured enough to recognize the food as a non-threat.

When starting food with your infant, it is really an amazing opportunity for you to learn about your baby’s constitution and how food affects his/her physical and emotional health. Introduce a single fruit, vegetable, grain or animal protein for three or four days in a row and observe, during that time, how your infant is reacting to that food.

Signs of a food sensitivity include bloating, gas, skin rashes on the face, bum, or around the mouth, diaper rash, runny nose, stuffiness, constant cold like symptoms, dark circles under the eyes, intestinal upset, diarrhea, mucousy stool, irritability, fussiness, increased spit ups and ear infections. If you notice any of these signs, discontinue the food, breast or bottle feed for a few days, and then resume another solid food.

The offending food may not be an intolerance for life, so it is important to try that food again in a few months when the immune system may be better equipped to handle it.

For babies six to nine months of age, it is important to start with non-allergic, iron rich foods. Steamed prunes, bananas, carrots, cauliflower, pears, squash, avocado, blackberries, broccoli, applesauce, sweet potatoes, green peas and apricots are all well tolerated by this age group.

From nine to 12 months, foods high in iron, zinc and fiber are valuable. Cooked egg yolk (not the whites), lima beans, ground oatmeal, split pea soup, string beans, nectarines, grapes, ground brown rice, organic plain yogurt, blueberries and chard are great choices.

At 12 to 18 months, babies are usually eating three meals per day and a couple of snacks. Concentrate on foods high in fiber, zinc, complex carbohydrates, iron and protein. Try acorn squash, organic tofu, barley, parsnips, kiwi, wheat, bulgar, organic whole cow’s milk, blackstrap molasses, asparagus, brown rice, goats milk, lamb and chicken. Honey can now be safely given.

Foods high in protein, calcium and B vitamins are the theme for kiddos aged 18 to 24 months. Tahini, beets, kelp, beans, eggplant, all kinds of fish, spaghetti squash, rye, buckwheat, eggs, cashew butter, oranges, pineapple, walnuts, fortified rice milk, cheese, various greens, mushrooms, turkey, organic 2% milk and organic soy beverages are on the menu.

After 24 months, your child is ready to eat most things. Sunflower seeds, lentils, cheese, shellfish, peanut butter, cottage cheese and any other fruit and vegetables not previously mentioned are safe to try.

Every baby is developmentally individual, but the general rule of thumb is to begin introducing food around six months of age. Some development markers that can indicate readiness include ability to sit unsupported, growth of teeth, interest in your food, ability to swallow food rather than pushing it out of the mouth and the capability of picking up food and placing it into his/her own mouth.

Infants are a clean slate when it comes to food and it is hard for us, as parents, not to influence their preferences with our likes or dislikes. Babies taste buds are still developing and don’t necessarily need the wizardry of spices and flavors that we require in our cuisine. Simple, plain, single foods are on the menu for the first few months.

Bring on the bibs and shields! Let the messiness begin!!

© Dr. Amy Wells, Naturopathic Physician

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