How To successfully Transition Your Infant From Baby Food To The Family Menu

This has often been a challenge for a family. We have had children join our day care who had remained on an infant menu well past their first birthday or who had transitioned but had a menu that was restricted to two or three items. In that case, they usually never had vegetables as part of any meal.

One of the most successful transitions involves:

1. The infant is seated at the family table as soon as they can successfully sit up and manage food in a high chair. This usually occurs around eight months when both their gross and fine motor skills can handle the challenge. Most infant have at least four teeth at this time but I have seen this approached be successful even when that is not the case.

2. They are slowly introduced to new foods one at a time for 2/3 days in case the child has a reaction to the food. This can occur by spoon feeding them or encouraging them to pick up the food themselves.

3. They should always begin with green vegetables. Peas or beans, well cooked broccoli and then begin to add in sweet potatoes etc.

4. Proceed to soft proteins that are moist such as chicken, eggs or cheese.

5. You can keep some of their infant foods in order to have a balanced meal.

6. Translate this approach to all their meals providing as many choices that are safe and that they can manage themselves.

7. Remember, place small amounts within reach so they will learn to focus on the task. When they begin to push or play, either reduce the quantity or move on to another choice.

8. We also find that at the same time, they should be introduced to a cup for small sips of water. This should be a 3” to 4” cup with no top. This is the first step to being ready to be off the bottle, usually around one year. This suggestion is also true for nursing babies.

They keys to this success are:

-Including them at the family table.

-Making the experience smooth and uneventful (no drama).

-Starting early before they remain on an infant menu too long.

-Taking this approach at home and day care at the same time when that is the situation.

This is an important transition and can influence their eating habits and nutrition input for their entire childhood.

Start them early! Keep them calm! It is a perfect time to build food experiences that will last a lifetime!

Good luck!

Have a happy New Year! Sorry we have been absent for a few week, it has been a very hectic time!