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As babies grow, so do their nutritional needs. By about six months of age, most babies are ready to explore their first solid food - baby cereal. Signs of being ready include your baby's tongue-thrust reflex fading, or her starting to reach for other people's food. If you're unsure whether your child is ready, your healthcare professional can advise you on when to take this step. |
When introducing baby cereal, it's best to choose a time when your baby is in a good mood, usually early in the day. This way you'll also be able to see if it causes a food intolerance or allergic reaction. Start by feeding your baby a single-grain baby cereal such as rice baby cereal and continue this for three to five days before trying a new cereal. This will help you determine if a particular variety is causing an allergic reaction. Should this happen, stop feeding the cereal right away and talk to your child's healthcare professional.
In Canada, baby cereals are available in two varieties: "add milk" or "add water." Baby cereals that contain milk are great-tasting and have specially adapted milk already in the cereal - you just have to add water. Baby cereals that require the addition of milk allow you to choose your baby's milk source - you can add breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula.
As a mother, you want to nourish and protect your little one right from the start. That’s why ALL Nestlé Baby Cereals now include Natural Cultures™ (Bifidus BL) - a probiotic that contributes to healthy digestive tract flora.
Experts agree, natural cultures are part of what gives breast milk its naturally protective qualities.*¥
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Of the natural cultures found in breastfed babies, Bifidobacteria is the most prevalent.†§
It's important to maintain a healthy digestive tract flora to help support healthy growth and development.
Natural CulturesTM are simply another way of ensuring your baby is getting all the wholesome nourishment she deserves.
Remember: most of the nutrition your baby receives during the first year should be from breast milk, iron-fortified infant formula, or a combination of the two.
Take it Step-by-Step
When introducing baby cereal, here are some tips that can help:
- Always choose baby cereals that are iron-fortified.
- Start your baby on rice cereal first; it's least likely to cause an allergic reaction. Another single grain baby cereal, such as oat, can be introduced after three to five days, when you're sure that your baby tolerates rice cereal.
- Introduce only one new food at a time, preferably in the morning. This makes it easier to observe your baby for signs of an allergic reaction.
- To prepare your baby's cereal, follow the directions on the package.
- Depending on the type of baby cereal you choose, you will need to add water, breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula.
- For a first feeding, place one tablespoon of cereal into a bowl and mix with three or four tablespoons of previously boiled, lukewarm water, breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula - depending on whether you are feeding an "add water" or "add milk" baby cereal. Follow preparation instructions on the box for exact measurements.
- Mix in enough water, breast milk or infant formula to make a runny mixture.
- Feed cereal using a soft, slim spoon.
Start with small servings and gradually increase their size. Your baby may not eat more than one spoonful on the first few attempts, so follow her cues. If she doesn't like a food, or isn't hungry, don't force the issue. It's more important to keep meal times enjoyable.
Important to Remember
- Baby cereal should never be used as the sole source of nutrition in your baby's diet.
- Healthcare experts recommend that you continue to feed breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula until your baby's 9 to 12 months old.
- Never use a bottle to feed your baby cereal.
- Always refer to the preparation instructions on the cereal package.
References:
*Gueimonde M et al. Neonatology 2007;92:64–6.
¥ Martin R et al. Appl Environ Microbiol 2009;75:965-9
†Yoshioka H et al. Pediatrics 1983;72:317-21.
§Harmsen HJM et al. JPGN 2000;30:61-67. |
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