When you are sure that your baby is mentally and physically ready for introducing solid foods, and you still have enough quality milk to breastfeed, we recommend a few steps to make this transition easier.
Go meal by meal and make it complete
Which meal you introduce first depends on you, for example, it can be lunch. In any case, replace each breastfeeding session gradually, so that the child first has one solid meal, by around eight to nine months at least two meals and one snack, and by one year three meals and two snacks.
Each main meal should contain at least one food item from each of the following groups:
- Carbohydrates (cereals)
- Vegetables
- Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, coconut flour, almond/hazelnut/peanut butters/creams, etc.)
- Protein (meat/fish/eggs/yogurt/cheese or plant-based – chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc.)
- Fruit
Fruits are easiest to give as a snack, and you can do this during walks and/or after the afternoon nap. To create a complete meal, you can start introducing foods by groups—any food from one of the groups, then add a food from the next group every 2-3 days and give it with those previously introduced. In this way, after two weeks, you will have a complete and very nutritious meal. Continue introducing one food from each group in turn and combine with those already introduced. This is a very easy way to achieve a diverse diet.
Choose together with your child HOW to introduce food (purees, small bites, or mixed)
In addition to which foods to introduce first, the question is also how. When it’s time for babies to transition from purees, more and more parents are practicing “Baby-led weaning”—a process where the child is given food cut into small pieces to explore on their own. It starts with soft cooked foods that practically fall apart in their hands and with soft fruits like bananas. Later, it transitions to larger bites, but the child always eats with their fingers. You can expect a lot of mess during this type of feeding, as children literally explore, so arm yourself with patience and cleaning supplies.
This feeding method worries some parents because children initially eat small quantities, so they are unsure if their child is getting all the necessary nutrients. This is why the “mixed method” (BLISS) is becoming increasingly popular – children are given pieces of food to explore freely, but purees and mashed foods are also provided to ensure they eat well. Whether to give your baby mashed or chopped food also depends on the number of teeth they have, so the food can be properly chewed and ground.
How to have fun with purees and mashed foods
If you decide on purees and mashed foods, you can still be creative and make beautiful combinations. What you cook yourself can be combined with Nutrino purees. This way, you can offer pumpkin at any time of the year or serve an apple and blueberry or peach with rice for a snack.
After 8 months, when serving food to your child, you can add some spices like cinnamon or cumin. This will open the door to exciting foods for your child to explore. You can also serve Nutrino purees in their original packaging, as your child will surely enjoy it as another opportunity for exploration. And remember, the best feeding method is one that is safe, full of trust, and fun for both of you.
