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Starting Solids

Table Foods: From the Mushy Meal to the Main Course

By Jessica Williams

It will take time to work up to these servings, and sometimes a baby may be extremely picky about what foods he will eat during different stages of toddlerhood. This is common, and may be distressing to parents. You may need to get creative with your daily menu. While your baby won't be in danger if he eats only peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a few days, it obviously doesn't give him all the nutrients he needs. Many babies love to dip finger foods into sauces or dressings. If your son likes bananas, try giving him a small bowl of yogurt to dip the banana in. You can also mix certain foods with others to mask flavors or "sneak" certain vegetables into his diet.

With the introduction of dairy also comes the possibility of allergies. Milk protein is a common allergen, along with peanuts, citrus, wheat and corn. If you have a history of allergies in your family, you may want to introduce small portions of these common allergens and watch for a reaction. Allergy symptoms vary, but the most common are: runny nose, irritability, rash (mostly in the form of hives), and stomach cramping. Check with your pediatrician if you suspect an allergy.

We live in a fast-paced society. Making home-cooked meals every day may not be feasible for every parent. But, fast food isn't healthy fo baby. Most French fries are smothered in salt, and nutritious foods are few and far between. Try to limit how many meals come out of the drive-through.