Hungry for a Challenge?

Hungry for a Challenge?

Hungry for a Challenge?

Introducing solid food to your baby can be an exciting prospect- watching her face light up as she experiences new tastes can be a precious moment to be stored away forever. So what do new parents need to know when their baby isn't quite so eager to swap the milk for mush?

Many babies greet the prospect of solid food with confusion, irritation and even disgust. Some babies open their mouths eagerly and never look back, but for parents of those who aren't so keen, mealtimes can become a real battleground. There are many experts ready to guide and advise new parents but the most important thing to remember is that for the first twelve months of a baby's life, milk is the only thing she actually needs to keep her nourished and healthy. All solid food up to this point need only be given for taste and to experience new textures and sensations.

That said, it's only too easy to compare your baby with another and if she is still only drinking milk at nine months, it can be a worry. The trick is to take things slowly and to let your baby guide you as to her eating habits. A good place to start is to bring in bowls and spoons at least a week before you launch into the food. Let your baby play with her spoon, congratulate her when she puts it in her mouth and show her what it's used for. Once she's familiar with the equipment, she won't be confused when you introduce something new for her to taste.

When you start to introduce new foods, you should do this one at a time so that any adverse reactions can be identified. Again, your baby should be your guide and she will let you know if she doesn't like the taste of something. Sweet foods are usually popular but lots of babies enjoy vegetables as much as fruit so don't be afraid to try.

Baby led weaning is an excellent way to introduce new foods to a fussy eater' as this involves allowing your baby to choose which foods she wants and letting her appetite guide your meals. Be prepared for lots of mess as most of the fun is in tipping bowls over, throwing pieces on the floor and squashing it between fingers. All the mess is invaluable though- it means your baby is exploring the food and experiencing new sensations that she will remember for next time. It also means that she is establishing her own palate at her own pace, which is crucial for developing good eating habits.

While it can be frustrating when your baby refuses to eat something which she gobbled down the week before, it is important to remember that things such as colds, teething or tiredness can often affect appetite. Keep calm and try again later. If she still won't eat it, try something else- the more new tastes and textures the better! Above all, it is important to remember that for babies, eating solid food is more about the experience than the gastronomic delights of fine dining. Let her dig her fingers into her bowl, let her try to feed herself and- most important of all- let her have fun!

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