As a registered dietitian, you would think I knew exactly what to do when the time came to introduce solid foods to my daughter. Wrong! As a first-time mom, I was an expert on the theory of feeding children but hadn’t yet experienced the realities that parents face. I had many questions: Should I choose baby-led feeding or purees? When should I introduce solids? How do I know how much she's actually eating during messy “meals”? How do I ensure she gets the best nutrition no matter what?
If you’re also confused about one of your baby’s first big milestones, you’re not alone. Adding solid foods to your baby’s routine is exciting, but like any big life change, it comes along with many new questions and can even feel overwhelming at times. Considering all the options modern parents face— not to mention a constant influx of (often questionable) information from social media—a little smashed banana can feel like a very big deal. And let’s not forget you’re probably strapped for time and energy.
Let me share the good news I discovered when faced with the dilemmas of starting solids: Today’s baby cereals, purees and snacks provide nutritious choices for feeding your baby. They make the task of feeding kids more accessible and convenient than ever—without sacrificing nutrition.
Whether you choose spoon-feeding, baby-led feeding or a combination, infants should be introduced to beginner foods from the full range of nutrition groups at around six months of age. Current federal nutrition guidelines highlight that babies—and especially toddlers—need to get enough of these nutrients:
- Iron: this is an essential nutrient that helps support neurologic development and immune function. At around six months old, babies—especially those who are breastfed—need help meeting their iron needs. Foods like Gerber’s Grain & Grow™ Oatmeal Cereal are a great choice to supplement iron and other essential nutrients. Single-grain cereals are also an ideal way to check for food sensitivities as your child develops. Nearly 20% of infants aged 6-12 months don’t get enough iron each day. Infant cereal can help!
- Zinc and protein: Federal dietary guidelines say that zinc (for growth and immune function) and protein (for muscle growth) are often under-consumed by breastfed infants. Look for infant cereals that have zinc, as well as select baby-food dinners containing at least 10% of the recommended daily value of both zinc and protein.
- Vitamin D: this critical nutrient, which aids calcium absorption for bone development, is often under-consumed, with only 30% of babies receiving their recommended daily intake. From birth onward, you can use Good Start® Soothe Vitamin D and Probiotic Drops to deliver 100% of the daily value of Vitamin D, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Choline and potassium: Choline (for brain and spine development) and potassium (for muscle use, fluid regulation, and body growth) are also important for infants and toddlers. An easy source of choline for babies and toddlers are eggs. Potassium is found in many fruits and vegetables, including blends such as 2nd Foods® Organic Mixed Carrot Banana Acai with Cardamom which has 35% of the recommended daily value and two servings of fruits and veggies.
And of course, food is about more than just nutrients. Around six months, you can start to introduce appropriately soft, healthy foods that your family enjoys, especially if those foods have cultural relevance around your table. Remember, a variety of flavors and textures is key to helping your baby develop strong feeding skills and establish healthy habits from a young age. At the same time, consult your pediatrician about which foods to avoid before 12 months, such as honey or cow’s milk.
As I discovered as a first-time parent, starting solids can feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. Gerber’s baby cereals, purees and snacks provide safe and nutritious choices no matter what your feeding journey looks like with the options available to parents today, parents can take comfort knowing that they can give their little ones what they need, right from the start.
