Second Stage - New Tastes
How and when do you introduce more lumpy food to your baby?
Problems with lumps are very common. Babies who are fed exclusively on jars often have a really difficult time progressing from smooth stage 1 foods to stage 2 jars which often contain quite large lumps like whole peas. This is too sudden a transition for them. It is important to introduce texture and small lumps as early as possible as the older they are, the harder babies will find it to accept lumpy food. This makes the transition to eating normal family meals a very difficult one and can lead to many toddler eating problems and extreme fussiness. One benefit (among many others) of making your own food is that this allows you to introduce lumps very gradually. Try thickening purees first of all, then adding tiny lumps like really tiny pasta shapes, rice or couscous. This is also a good way of using up your freezer smooth puree. Once your baby has a few teeth you can try mashing and chopping food instead of pureeing it. Well cooked scrambled eggs are another good way of introducing texture.
When should you introduce red meat to your baby?
Iron is very important for your baby’s mental and physical development. A baby is born with a store of iron that lasts for about 6 months. After this it is important that your baby gets the iron she needs from her diet. Iron in foods of animal origin like red meat or poultry are much better absorbed than iron in foods of plant origin like green vegetables or cereal.
To see weaning recipes for babies from 8 months, please click here
Featured Breakfast Recipe
Make sure you include some oily fish like salmon in your baby’s diet a couple of times a week. A diet rich in essential fatty acids can help children with dyslexia, ADHD and dyspraxia.
