Introducing Solids to Your Baby

How do I give my Baby Solids?

There is no need for children and babies to eat junk foods, fast foods and processed foods.

Most of our eating patterns are laid down during breastfeeding. If the mother is relaxed and is eating a wholesome diet then the baby benefits from this. It will only consume nourishing and wholesome milk.

It is a belief that is the infant is firstly weaned onto sweet, oily and slaty food then the child will always crave sweet, oily and salty food. The first foods lay down the foundations for the rest of the child’s and adult’s life.

Food for Babies

It is very important that the newborn infant is given the correct types of food as their first food. A baby’s digestive system is still not quite fully developed and certain foods such as wheat and unpasteurised milk can bombard the digestive system and cause permanent damage. This can lead to problems such as irritable bowel disorders later in life.

For the first 6 months the best diet is mother’s breast milk only. Between 6 to 9 months some solid foods can be introduced. Aim to give the infant pureed vegetables. There is no need to add salt, butter or sweeteners. Start with the evening feed, to help sustain them through the night. As the food starts being increased, start to decrease the milk production. By the time the child is 12 months then the milk consumption is decreased by 50%. Aim to keep the child on simple foods, mashed bananas, mashed sweet potatoes, mashed pumpkin are good suggestions. No wheat and unpasteurised dairy products are to be given prior to 12 months.

Between 12 months to 18 months, start to decrease milk production by another 25%. Once the first molars appear then this is an indication that the pancreatic enzymes are being manufactured more efficiently. Here a combination of steamed and mashed vegetables can be used.  

Mashed vegetables, fish, mashed baked beans or mashed fruits can be given. It is still recommended to hold off on the wheat products.

From this point the child may wean themselves off the milk themselves.

At 18 months the best types of foods to eat are those that are low in complex carbohydrates.

These food include:

Sprouts or legumes, grains and seeds

The milk made from soaked and sprouted seeds and nuts

Vegetable juices particularly carrot juice and other low starch vegetables

Small amounts of sea vegetables

Tofu or tempeh

Fruits and avocados

Small amounts of fruit juices, ideally fresh

Under 18 months food is to be cooked, mashed or pureed with small amounts of water added. The overuse of fruits at this time will weaken digestion. This is specific for citrus fruits, raw fruits and large amounts of veg juices.

When introducing non sprouted cereals, legumes and starchy vegetables, introduce them slowly looking for signs of gastric distress. If there is any resume the diet and re-introduce later. When introducing these grains and legumes make sure they are pre-soaked before cooking to eliminate the phytic acid which depletes minerals in infants.

In regards to meat, it has been shown that meat contains more pesticides and herbicide residues than other foods. In fact vegetables and fruits have 1/10^th the pesticides of mammal meats, fish and fowl. It is important to feed children the cleanest food, and as much as possible. Meats can produce uric acid and they are acid forming, this can be a problem for some children. Ideally whole fresh foods from the plant kingdom are the preferable foods to give infants and children. Meat such as fish and chicken can be used as a useful tonic for deficiency conditions.  (weak, frail, withdrawn, pale complexion).

Foods to Use with Caution

Flours – especially wheat flours as these promote mucus and allergies. Children over 2 yrs will be able to tolerate them easier.

Raw onions and garlic – these can be too stimulating for young children, though they make great medicines for colds. To give it to children for worming, slice thinly and place between thin slices of apple. When the mother eats garlic it will come through the milk.

Salt – do not use it for children 10 months and under. Excess salt is hard on the kidneys.

Refined and rancid foods – these include margarine and hydrogenated oils. These can lead to incomplete development of the nervous system, emotional instability and degenerative diseases.

Excess raw foods – these can be eaten later in life, though for infants it can weaken them and deplete digestive strength. When the child is in a state of excess (loud voice, yelling) or in a state of heat (red face and wants cold fluids), salads and fruits are better foods to eat.

Refined sweeteners – of any description for the young and old.

Chocolate – contains stimulant substances theobromine and oxalic acid which inhibits calcium absorption.

Raw honey – it can contain botulin. Avoid for children that are 18 months or less.

Fruit – fruit is sweet and too much can encourage weakness, runny noses and ear problems. Always dilute fruit juices, as they can easily cause tooth decay.

Buckwheat – it is very drying and stimulating for children and can cause nervousness and irritability if consumed in large amounts.

Sautéed or fried foods – these are too concentrated

Spices – limit or reduce as they can be very stimulating.

There is no need to spice up infants food.

Herbs for Baby

There are many herbs which you can give to your baby, though there are many such as cayenne and garlic which could be too strong.

It is best to use gentle herbs. Herb that can be considered are:

Chamomile—this must be on the top of my list. It is the best thing for colicky babies, whether given homeopathically as chamomilla 30c or whether given as a weak tea. When making herb teas for infants, ensure you dilute them down. I would recommend giving them a tsp at a time in a weak tea form. As the baby gets to 6 months, then larger doses can be given, though still diluting the tea.

Other herbs that could be given for colic in a weak tea form are dill seed, aniseed and meadowsweet.

Herbs that can be used for skin conditions are diluted lavender, aloe juice, burdock or honey. Even though honey is best not given internally it can be used externally for sores and wounds. It is worth noting that if the baby is starting to have skin rashes or eczema then the mothers diet will need to be addressed.

Lavender oil diluted in a carrier oil can also be used for insect bites and to help baby sleep.

Essential oils are very effective for babies, again use gentle oils. The oils can be placed on their clothing to help sleep and colic, or when bathing the baby add 1/2 cup of milk and in the milk add 1 to 2 drops of oil. The milk can then be added to the bath without the concern of the essential oil damaging the tender babies skin.

Other herbs that I found valuable was the use of infused comfrey and calendula oils. These are excellent when made into an ointment for nappy rash. I found my babies only had nappy rash when teething. If there is nappy rash then diet or the types of nappies that you are using will need to be considered. A good airing every now and then is good.

So herbs can be used for young and old. Start with small dilute doses and always dilute the herbs and oils down. The baby will show quick changes.

Louise Plant