For new parents, figuring out when to feed their baby solid foods can be challenging. For the first six months, breast milk or formula is the ideal food for a newborn. But when they’re four to six months old, most babies are ready to try solid foods. The best way to know a child is ready is when they:

• Sit up alone or with support
• Can control their head and neck
• Open their mouth when food is offered
• Swallow food rather than push it back out onto the chin
• Bring objects to the mouth
• Try to grasp small objects like toys or food
• Transfer food from the front to the back of the tongue to swallow

What Foods Should I Introduce My Baby?

You should continue feeding breast milk or formula to your baby while introducing solid foods. We suggest offering single-ingredient foods that contain no sugar or salt first. When it comes to baby teeth, it’s best to avoid sugary or acidic foods that could contribute to dental problems such as tooth decay. You should also skip out on salty items as food preferences are established during this phase of your child’s life. 

The foods you feed your child should be rich in nutrients, especially iron and zinc. What foods are good for baby teeth? See below:

• Baby cereal is easy to portion into smaller bites and you can serve it easily with a spoon.
• Fruits and vegetables are not only packed with nutrients but are great for your child’s teeth. Be sure to wash them properly to remove bacteria and other pathogens. Start with fruits and vegetables that are cooked, pureed or mashed so you can appropriately alter the size of their bites.
• Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese are ideal for first foods because they’re high in calcium and vitamin D, and are soft as well as easy to serve in bite-size portions.

Tips On Feeding Your Baby Solid Foods

Your baby may reject their first servings of solid foods because of their new taste and texture. When your baby turns away from a spoonful of food, don't force it. Wait a few more days and try again later. If the problem persists, contact your baby's doctor to make sure the resistance isn't a sign of a problem. 

If you get overwhelmed, keep in mind that your dental or medical professionals are amazing resources when it comes to navigating healthy food choices for your child. Our dentists at Dental Image Therapy Centres can recommend foods or even share recipes to ensure you and your family can eat healthily while maintaining strong teeth. Find us at Garden City Shopping Centre or St. Vital Centre today.