Food Introduction

  • Rice cereal is a great first food, as it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction and is fortified with iron.
  • It is also fine to offer fruit, vegetable, or sweet potatoe puree first.
  • Babies are born with a preference for sweets and the order of introducing foods does not change this.
  • There is no evidence that your baby will develop a dislike for vegetables if fruit is given first.
  • The aim is for babies to enjoy their first foods and not be as likely to reject solids.

Fish:

●  Choose fish low mercury
●  Try to choose ‘white flesh’ fish
●  Ensure the fish is fully deboned
●  If tinned, choose fish in oil or spring water as brine has a higher salt content

Foods By Month

4 months
Carbs
Fruit
Vegetables
Protein
Dairy
Other
5 months
Carbs
Fruit
Vegetables
Protein
Dairy
Other
6 months
Carbs
Fruit
Vegetables
Protein
Dairy
Other
7 months
Carbs
Fruit
Vegetables
Protein
Dairy
Other
8 months
Carbs
Fruit
Vegetables
Protein
Dairy
Other
9-12 months
Carbs
Fruit
Vegetables
Protein
Dairy
Other
Milk Requirements

 

Baby Age
(Months)

Daily Milk in Ozs

Feeds per Day
4 28 to 32 4 to 6
5 28 to 32 4 to 6
6 28 to 32 3 to 5
7 20 to 32 3 to 4
8 20 to 32 3 to 4
9 20 to 32 3 to 4
10 18 to 30 3 to 4
11 18 to 30 3 to 4
12 18 to 30 3 to 4

* Milk guidelines include:

●  Breastmilk and / or Formula used in milk feeds
●  Breastmilk and / or  Formula used in cereal
●  Yogurt and pasteurized cheese in meals

Daily Servings

Baby Age 
(Months)		 Food Group Daily Ozs
7 to 8 Carbohydrates 4 to 6
Fruit 2 to 4
Vegetables 2 to 4
Protein 1 to 2
9 to 12 Carbohydrates 6 to 8
Fruit 4 to 6
Vegetables 4 to 6
Protein 2

From 7 to 12 months infants may be given up to 3 oz of water daily in a sippy cup

Preparing Baby Food

Home cooked baby food

  • Making baby food is healthy and economical.
  • You can prepare food for your baby using your current kitchen equipment.
  • The Beaba babycook works as a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster.
  • You can prepare fresh, healthy meals for your baby in 15 minutes.

Commercial baby food

  • There are many choices available for healthy store-bought baby food.
  • Try to buy organic.
  • Avoid unnecessary sugar, salt and preservatives.

Storing Baby Food

Standard ice cube tray

  • Use BPA free standard Ice cube trays with lids.
  • 1 cube equals 1 oz.

Beaba multiportions

  • Make excellent storage for smaller quantities of food.
  • Each pod holds 2 oz of food Purée.

Kinderville Bigger Bites Storage Jars

  • Makes excellent storage for larger quantities of food.
  • Each jar holds 10 oz of solids / liquids.
  • Refrigerating and freezing
  • Seal properly for storage.
  • Store up to 3 days in the fridge.
  • Store up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • Use sealed plastic bags or containers with lids.
  • Always label and date food and milk stored in both the fridge and freezer.

Heating Baby Food

Defrosting food

  • Defrost frozen food in the fridge overnight.
  • If you need to use frozen food that day, defrost at room temperature.
  • Put defrosted food in the fridge until it is needed.
  • Remove defrosted food from the fridge 15 to 30 minutes before serving.
  • Do not let baby food sit out on a countertop for more than 1 hour or 30 mins in hot weather.
  • Do not refreeze food that has been previously frozen.

Warming up food

  • Reheat the amount of food needed for that feed.
  • Discard any leftovers from the feed.
  • Do NOT reheat food more than once.
  • The best way to reheat Purées is in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
  • Microwave ovens are not recommended because they can cause hot spots in food which can burn baby’s mouth.
  • Always check the temperature of food before feeding your baby.