Every taste bud adventure marks another step into the adult world as your baby grows up.
Especially the long-awaited "adult meal" moment, it seems to have become a small ritual to measure his "growth".
However, I would like to remind you that this "early taste" party should not be opened at will, and the time limit must be strictly adhered to, otherwise it may disrupt the baby's gastrointestinal rhythm and affect his healthy growth.
So, at what age can babies start trying to eat adult food?
Cui Yutao, a famous pediatrician, once reminded parents: After the baby is 1 year old, he can gradually add adult meals. However, it is generally not recommended that babies under 2 years old eat adult meals directly.
Generally speaking, when the baby is 6 months old, has a certain digestive and chewing ability, and has normal weight gain, this is the time to start trying to feed him some "adult food" suitable for his taste.
However, this is not an absolute "green light".
Every baby is a unique little angel, and their growth rhythm and physical condition are different.
Therefore, before deciding whether or not to upgrade the menu for your baby, we also need to carefully observe their "signal lights".
If your baby's teeth are like a small sapling that sprouts out of the ground, if they chew like a tiny grinding disc, skillfully handling food, if their weight is like a small rocket that is steadily rising, they are healthy and strong...... Then, it may be appropriate to let your baby try some of the "baby version" foods for adults.
However, this does not mean that your baby can say goodbye to breast milk or formula immediately, but you should take a gradual transition approach so that your baby's mouth and stomach have a process of adaptation.
Here's my food supplement for moms:
First of all, the selection of ingredients must be appropriate, to ensure that the food is fresh and hygienic, and try to choose ingredients that are easy to digest and free of allergens, so as not to bring unnecessary burden to the baby's delicate stomach.
Secondly, the cooking method should be simple, avoid using too many seasonings and fats, and keep the original taste and nutrition of the food.
Thirdly, the size of the food should be moderate, neither too big so as not to choke the baby, but not too small so that he will not be overfed.
Finally, keep the relaxed and happy atmosphere of the meal, so that the baby can feel the warmth and happiness of the family while enjoying the food.
Whether a child is comfortable with eating adult meals mainly depends on two aspects
Although children can try to eat adult meals at a certain time, each baby's situation is different, and it cannot be achieved overnight, and it depends on individual differences and growth and development.
First, we need to see if the child's digestive system has developed strong enough.
If your child's tummy can easily digest foods that they haven't been exposed to before, they may be ready to take on the challenge of adult food.
Secondly, we need to be keenly aware of the child's psyche, whether it has already depicted the exploration of new foods?
Children's curiosity is like an explorer's compass, and their interest in new things and desire to explore are the driving force for progress.
If a child has a spark of excitement in their eyes when they see adult food, like a navigator who discovered a new continent, then they probably can't wait to try those unknown foods.
During the transition period of giving babies adult meals, there are 4 issues that should be paid attention to
The transition of babies from eating baby food to eating adult meals is not only a process of growth, but also a process of physical and psychological adaptation. In this process, parents are reminded to pay attention to the following issues:
Choice of ingredients
When your baby tries adult food in the early stages, he should choose fresh, easily digestible and non-allergenic ingredients.
For example, you can start with steamed vegetables and fruit purees and gradually transition to finely minced meat and legumes.
In addition, avoid using too many seasonings and additives so as not to affect your baby's taste development and health.
Food texture
As your baby's chewing and digestion skills improve, the texture of the food can be gradually changed.
Initially, you can start with pureed foods and then transition to semi-solid foods such as small pieces of boiled eggs, rotten noodles, etc.
However, make sure that the food is the right size in case your baby chokes.
Eating habits
During the transition period, it is necessary to pay attention to cultivating good eating habits for your baby.
This includes eating regularly and in small quantities, using the right utensils (e.g. children's cutlery), chewing slowly, etc.
In addition, avoid letting your baby play while eating, so as not to distract and affect appetite and digestion.
Observe the reaction
During the transition period, pay close attention to your baby's reaction to new foods.
Pay attention to observe them for adverse reactions such as allergies, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
Also, pay attention to your baby's emotional responses, such as when they refuse to eat or appear unhappy, perhaps because they are not ready for this new food experience.
Your baby's journey is a journey of discovery and surprise, not only about your baby's eating habits, but also about his healthy growth.
As parents, we must use wisdom and love to pave a safe and delicious path for our baby, so that he can grow up with love in every bite.
Regarding the timing and precautions for babies to eat adult meals, I will share them here. Paying more attention to details and guiding our lives can make children's transition to a smoother diet and healthier growth.