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Top 5+ Common Questions that parents ask about introducing food to baby

Nutrition and Obesity

12/31
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  • What is the first food I should give my baby?

We are past the age of plain rice cereal, it offers very little nutritional value and can cause significant constipation. Instead consider avocado or squash as a first food. The key is soft purees that they can easily swallow. I do not recommend going directly to hard solid foods such as chunks of fruit or veggies because they can lead to choking and stunt your baby’s sense of adventure when trying new foods.

  • What age should I first introduce solid food?

Age is no longer the key to determining if your baby is ready for solids. Instead we focus on physical and behavioral cues. Baby should have good head and neck control, allowing them to sit well with assistance. Additionally, baby should show an interest in your food. When your baby watches you like a hawk during dinner— it’s time to think about letting them join in on the fun!

  • How much food should my baby eat each day?

Food before one is just about fun. This means that if some days if your baby eats only a small amount of solid foods, don’t stress out, as long as they are getting adequate breastmilk/ formula then they are adequately nourished. However, as your baby gets closer and closer to one year of age, they should be eating 3 solid meals of baby food plus snacks each day. Food during infancy is about exposing your baby to various flavors and textures to prime their palate.

  • How do I prevent allergies?

The old theory was delaying the introduction of potential allergens would decrease the development of food allergies, however this is now known to be false. In fact, earlier exposure has been demonstrated to be more effective. Meaning once baby has gotten a few basic foods down, at 6+ months, go ahead and offer pureed eggs or a small amount of peanut butter in yogurt or cereal. Just remember it can take 2-3 exposures to a new food before you see a reaction. The only exception is if your family has a history of severe food allergies, in that case speak to your pediatrician first.

  • Are there any foods my baby cannot eat?

No honey until 1 year of age. Beware of foods that are choking hazards  such as: solid nuts, grapes, hotdogs,  and popcorn.

Thanks for stopping by!

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Patricia Bast DO

Dr. Patricia Bast was born and raised in Southern California. She earned a bachelors degree in science at UC Irvine, then went on to graduate medical school from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Northern California. After several years working as a pediatrician Dr. Bast choose to expand her training to include lactation consultant. Dr. Bast is now raising her children and taking care of patients in beautiful Georgia.

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« Calming Mom’s Anxiety when it comes to transitioning from breast/ bottle to food
General Tips to Avoid Having a Picky Eater »

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I am sad the Christmas season is ending, there is I am sad the Christmas season is ending, there is so much magic watching children experience all the beautiful joy 💕 
Isabella was a little uncertain about Santa this year. She LOVED talking to him but didn’t want to sit on his lap for more than 30 seconds. Noah on the other hand was his biggest fan. Luke is learned why all the Santa’s look different 😅
All my life my heart longed for a baby girl. This All my life my heart longed for a baby girl. This precious girl has changed and grown our family in all the best ways. I can hardly remember what life was like without her strong firey personality in it.
Motherhood has been hard, so incredibly challenging, but it is also the most incredible journey I have ever been on! 

Pictured in the @bravadodesigns Beaucoup nursing bra, very comfortable and supportive enough to wear all day.
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Sweet Isabella woke up in the wee hours with her first stomach bug. My heart breaks for her. What are your favorite ways to heal upset tummies? And to entertain siblings stuck indoors?
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So today I choose joy, joy that he is still with us, joy that he is catching up in every way, and JOY that I am blessed to be his mama and learn so much from him. 
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(I took these photos at 12mo old, but my phone has been having technical difficulties and I couldn’t post them.)

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I am sad the Christmas season is ending, there is I am sad the Christmas season is ending, there is so much magic watching children experience all the beautiful joy 💕 
Isabella was a little uncertain about Santa this year. She LOVED talking to him but didn’t want to sit on his lap for more than 30 seconds. Noah on the other hand was his biggest fan. Luke is learned why all the Santa’s look different 😅
All my life my heart longed for a baby girl. This All my life my heart longed for a baby girl. This precious girl has changed and grown our family in all the best ways. I can hardly remember what life was like without her strong firey personality in it.
Motherhood has been hard, so incredibly challenging, but it is also the most incredible journey I have ever been on! 

Pictured in the @bravadodesigns Beaucoup nursing bra, very comfortable and supportive enough to wear all day.
It happens so quickly, the beautiful Fall colors a It happens so quickly, the beautiful Fall colors are disappearing and winter’s cold temperatures are taking over Georgia. Just last week we were making leaf piles and wearing shorts. Now we hide in doors under blankets and search for ways to entertain tiny balls of energy. 
Sweet Isabella woke up in the wee hours with her first stomach bug. My heart breaks for her. What are your favorite ways to heal upset tummies? And to entertain siblings stuck indoors?
It has been a busy week! Luke started 1st grade an It has been a busy week! Luke started 1st grade and Noah returned to his special needs preschool (he goes 2 days/wk). 

This year I really struggled with the decision between homeschool and public school. For so many reasons my heart lies with homeschooling, but in the end we chose to let the boys choose and they both desired to be with their friends in public school. 

What type of schooling have you chosen for your kids and why?

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