May 25, 2020
In our last blog, we talked about the importance of introducing texture to your baby's diet and learned that this should occur by 9-12 months of age (provided that your infant shows signs of developmental readiness). It was interesting to note, this recommendation occurs as infants typically undergo change in the gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and oral cavity—allowing them to not only accept new foods other than breastmilk or formula (at around 6 months)—but can also manage foods other than purees (around 8-9 months old). See our blog on “The Importance of Texture in Your Baby’s Diet” for more information on this topic. Introducing texture during this stage can enhance chewing skills and lead to a greater receptivity of different foods later in life. [i] Also, offering finger foods promotes self-feeding and gives infants a chance to develop autonomy. [ii]
Transitioning to more complex textures can certainly make some parents a little uneasy. Signs to watch for include the following:
Okay, so now that you know your infant is ready to progress to textures, what are the best finger foods to offer your baby? It is recommended to avoid foods high in sugar, such as store-bought food pouches that do not offer the nutritional benefits that come from fresh foods. [iv] Finger foods should also be soft, easy to swallow and cut into bite sizes.
Some examples of first finger foods that follow these guidelines include:
Fruits & Veggies
Protein
Whole Grain Foods
Tidbit for Your Tiny One
There is evidence to suggest there is a ’sensitive period’ in infant development; and therefore, delaying the introduction of textures past 10 months of age can impact chewing skills and texture acceptance of a variety of foods later on. [v]
The following recipe poem is an excerpt from our upcoming book Recipes for Growing Me ~9 months:
F is for...finger foods
So maybe I eat
My fingers and my toes
But it’s really the ‘finger foods’
That can satisfy my woes
They give me control
And help my fine grasping too
As I pick them up
I also learn how to chew
Diced bananas are
A wonderful example
Cut them in bite sizes
For me to dine and sample
We hope we’ve contributed something beneficial to your baby’s diet, and remember…don’t hog the blog! Share with new moms today!
Have a bloomin’ day!
Sarah & Karen
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*Bibliography:
[i] Demonteil, L. Ksiazek, E., Marduel, A., Dusoulier, M., Weenen, H., Tournier, C., Nicklaus, S. (2018). Patterns and predictors of food texture introduction in French children aged 4-36 months. British Journal of Nutrition, 120, 1065-1017.
[ii] DynaMed, (2017). Feeding the term infant: overview and recommendations. Dynamed. http://www.dynamed.com
[iii] DynaMed, (2017). Feeding the term infant: overview and recommendations. Dynamed. http://www.dynamed.com
[iv] Koletzko, B., Buhrer, Christoph, Zimmer, Klaus-Peter, (2019). Complementary foods in baby food pouches: position statement from the Nutrition Commission of the German Society for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Mol Cell Pediatr, Dec; 6:2, doi:10.1186/s40348-019-0089-6
[v] Demonteil, L. Ksiazek, E., Marduel, A., Dusoulier, M., Weenen, H., Tournier, C., Nicklaus, S. (2018). Patterns and predictors of food texture introduction in French children aged 4-36 months. British Journal of Nutrition, 120, 1065-1017.
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P.S. If you’d like to learn more about Watch Me Bloom, you can buy our Recipes for Growing Me ~6 months book, say hello on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. If you liked this blog, share it with a new mom. Reading this for the first time? Subscribe and receive a complimentary digital download of our ‘Love Me Forever’ Digital Print to frame in your nursery or child’s room.
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Hello—I’m Karen, the other face, and designer/illustrator of Watch Me Bloom! Join me this month as I share my experience and creative process in designing our book series—Recipes for Growing Me—and what it's like to develop a product collection. From the character development, to matching onesies, creating a ready to go baby shower gift, lunchbox cards to affirm young children, or a variety of digital wall art/prints, we've got a gift for every baby shower and new parent.
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There’s no doubt, being a first-time parent can be stressful. With so many new things to consider; knowing if your baby is eating enough is just one of the many concerns you might have. You’ll often hear experts (including parents!) say that newborns will typically have feedings every 2-3 hours. But, how much per feeding? And how does this change as they get older? In this month’s blog, our goal is to simplify the guidelines on how much to feed your baby, starting from birth to 12-months-old.
They grow up so fast!
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