Introduce pureed fruit and vegetables, baby rice or other gluten-free cereals. This can be mixed with boiled water or EBM collected in breast shells while feeding. (I do not believe in wasting a drop!)
Full fat milk can be used in cooking from six months old but should not be given as a drink until a year old. Eggs (soft boiled, not runny) can be introduced from six months. Whole nuts should be avoided until the age of 5 years as they present a risk of choking. Ground nuts can be used in recipes as long as there is no previous history of allergies in the family. By doing this you will reduce the risk of sensitising the baby 's intestines which could lead to intolerances.
Start by giving one to two teaspoons of food and move up slowly over the next few weeks. Let your baby guide you. Remember to keep food blended at first and as the months go on, you can introduce lumpier textures. Keep the food bland and do not add any salt or overprocessed ingredients. These are hard for the baby 's immature liver and kidneys to process and can be harmful.
Continue to breastfeed after mixed feeds and the baby will gradually demand less. Morning and evening feeds will still be the most important. However, you will still have days when the breast is the only food your baby will want. Be guided by his demands and you cannot go far wrong. If you have any questions, your Health Visitor or Dietician will be happy to help.
© Sharon Trotter |
