Which foods should I introduce to my 6 to 9 month baby?

There are no hard and fast rules here. All babies are different, with their own unique likes and dislikes. Just like you and me!

The information and recipes in this section are meant as a guide - if your baby doesn't seem to want to try all of these foods just yet, then don't worry. Give it a week or two, then try again. His tastebuds are developing all the time - the meal he adamantly refuses today may be his absolute favourite food next week!

NOTE: When introducing any new foods to your 6 to 9 month baby, remember to apply the four day rule. And ALWAYS check with your doctor before giving any new foods to your baby.

Baby's first foods - getting started

Don't forget to label foods as you prepare them for your baby.
Make a note of the preparation date on the label, as this will help you "rotate" stored foods to ensure they are safe for your baby to eat. It's a good idea to note the contents, too - pureed foods tend to look alike and it may be important to identify a particular food later on
Ultimately, you need to ensure that you are providing healthy, balanced nutrition to your baby. With baby's first foods, though, you need to keep things simple.

Step 1
Pediatricians often recommend starting with a single grain cereal, like baby rice, because it is gluten free and considered easy to digest. However... there ARE alternatives and many medical professionals are beginning to acknowledge the value of fruits, veggies... or even meat... as suitable first foods.

Step 2
Pick a quiet time of day for baby's first meal - a time when you won't be distracted, or feel pressured. This can be easier said than done - especially if you have other young children at home. In that case, a "quiet time of day" doesn't actually exist, so you'll have to make do with "quieter than usual"! If your other children are old enough to understand, you could get them to "help" you with this historic first feed - they love being involved.
Step 3
You may like to take the edge off your baby's appetite by giving him about half his milk feed first or feeding him about an hour or so after breastfeeding. If he's too hungry, he'll probably end up screaming in frustration - and so will you!
Step 4
For very young babies, mix about one tablespoon of baby rice (or alternative) with enough breastmilk or warmed formula to give an almost watery consistency. If you use feeding bottles, try mixing the cereal in the lids - they are just the right size, plus they are already sterilized! Babies over 6 months of age may be able to cope with a thicker texture.
Step 5
Get your baby comfortable - depending on baby's age, it might be a bit too early for a high chair, as many offer little support for a young child.

Step 6
Use a rubber-tipped spoon - it's kinder on baby's gums.
Step 7
One of two things will happen now - your baby will either open his mouth eagerly and accept this wonderful new experience ... or he'll push everything out of his mouth, pull a face and look completely offended! Whatever reaction you get, RELAX and SMILE. If you're tense, your baby will know - especially if he's on your lap. A smile and some encouraging sounds from you can make all the difference.
Step 8
If he's keen, continue feeding until he's finished. If not, DON'T try to continue. There's no rush. Trying to force a baby to eat is the best way to put him off the whole experience. Try again the next day, or a few days later.

Baby's first foods - How can I tell when my baby has had enough food?

Well, he'll probably turn his head away, try to play with the spoon, or just refuse to open his mouth!Try to read your baby's signals and respect them! Throw away any leftover food, then offer baby the remainder of his milk feed.
Over the next few days, try increasing the amount of food bit by bit. It's important not to overdo it, though. Introducing a large quantity of solids too soon can result in your baby consuming less milk. Milk is a VERY important part of baby's diet for the first year and at this stage he should still be having around 5 - 6 breast-feeds or 24 to 40 oz of formula in 24 hours.

Giving Water To Baby - Is It Necessary?

Experts agree that giving water to baby is unnecessary - and may even be harmful - before 6 months of age. But for babies older than 6 months, medical opinion is a little more divided!

IMPORTANT: The information given here is meant as a guide and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your child's doctor before introducing water.

Why is giving water to baby harmful before 6 months?

• A baby may "fill up" on water, resulting in him taking less breastmilk or formula. This then deprives him of the nutrients essential for healthy growth and development.
• Too much water can stop your young baby's body from absorbing the nutrients it needs from milk. It can also lead to an imbalance of electrolytes.

BREASTFED BABIES
If your baby is exclusively breastfed, there is simply no need to give him extra water, even in very hot conditions. It is, of course, important to increase your own water intake and to nurse your baby frequently.

FORMULA FED BABIES

Formula milk is over 80% water, so again, additional water is unnecessary for the first 6 months.

Giving water to baby - 6 months+

The general consensus here seems to be that, although it is not essential, introducing a little water after 6 months of age is not harmful to your baby. Many parents like to give water after solid foods, particularly high protein foods like meat and eggs. If you are considering giving water to baby at this stage, remember to check first with his health care provider.

There are certain circumstances where extra water might be a good idea - if baby is constipated, for example, or has diarrheah. In either case, seek medical advice before offering water to your infant.

DO I NEED TO BOIL TAP WATER FOR MY BABY?

There are two trains of thought on this one! Some medical professionals recommend boiling tap water until baby is a year old, whereas others feel that, after 6 months, this kind of "over-sterilization" is contributing to the current rise in eczema and other allergies.

Giving water to baby - when should I introduce a cup?

Many parents introduce water to their babies for the express purpose of teaching them to use a cup!

A baby can usually drink from a sippy cup from around 6-7 months and by one year of age he can often manage the cup by himself.

There are various infant cups available and many parents opt for the no-spill varieties, although these can require quite vigorous sucking! For a "novice drinker", a simple cup with little open holes in the spout can be easier to manage - although you may find that baby showers himself and everyone around him!