Introduction of Solid Foods to Infants

For the first 6 months of life breast milk is the only food required by most infants.  Premature infants normally thrive on breast milk as it provides essential antibodies that protect their immune function and nutrients that optimize growth.  A nursing mother just needs to be sure her nutritional needs are being adequately met.  Generally, an additional 500 calories daily should be added to the diet to meet the demands of lactation.

Until approximately 6 months of age, a baby's digestive tract is not able to adequately digest most foods.  The introduction of foods too early may induce food allergies or food sensitivities.  Furthermore, it has been conclusively demonstrated in a Finnish study that prolonged exclusive breastfeeding will significantly reduce the incidence of food allergy and intolerance, even in families with a strong tendency to allergy.[1] 

Conditions that commonly result from food allergies/sensitivities include upper respiratory infections, ear infections, and gastroenteritis.   A baby is usually ready for solid foods when s/he is able to sit up and is able to push food away.  New foods should be introduced one at a time for a week to see if there is any reactivity. 

Symptoms that may indicate reactivity to a food include:

            •  Rash around mouth or anus                                  •  Diarrhea or mucus in stool

            •  Hyperactivity or lethargy                                        •  Constipation

            •  Allergic shiners (dark circles under eyes)              •  Runny nose

            •  Skin reactions (urticaria)                                      •  Dyslexia

            •  Infection                                                             •  Redness of face, cheeks

            •  Change in drawings-less realistic                           •  Ear infections

The following schedule for introducing solid foods to a breast fed infant has been compiled from numerous naturopathic physicians who work extensively with infants and children.  Most physicians suggest avoiding common allergens such as cow's milk, wheat, oranges, eggs, and chocolate early in the introductory phase (up to the first year).  It is best to introduce one new food at a time while observing for reactions, i.e. sneezing, runny nose, rash around the mouth, anus or urethra, a change in stool or personality. 

It is recommended that vegetables be introduced before fruits, so that infants don't come to expect sweets at their meals.  Non-allergenic foods should be rotated every five to six days to minimize sensitization which may occur when the same foods are eaten once or twice daily for five to seven consecutive days. 

Schedule for Introducing Solid Foods

6-9 months:  Hypoallergenic pureed, mashed foods containing iron; 1-2 Tbs./day.  The fruits may be too sweet to introduce at 6 months and are better at 71/2 to 9 months.

            Carrots                                      Blackberries                             Prunes

            Squash                                     Broccoli                                   Cherries

            Yam                                         Apricots                                   Banana           

            Jerusalem Artichoke                   Grapes                                    Cauliflower

            Kiwi                                          Peaches                                  Sprouts (Blended in water)

            Pears                                        Beets                                      Applesauce

9 months:          Food high in zinc and good for immune system; 2-4 Tbs./day.  The oatmeal, lima beans, and millet may be difficult to digest.

            Sweet Potato                             Cabbage                                  Oatmeal

            Papaya                                     Blueberries                               Lima Beans     

            String Beans                             Nectarines                               Potato             

            Black Strap Molasses                Split Pea Soup                         Millet               

            Mashed Potato                          Artichoke                                 Apples

            Peas                                         Basmati Rice

12 months:        Foods high in zinc and bulk; 4-10 Tbs./day.

            Acorn Squash                            Barley                                      Chard

            Yogurt                                       Parsnips

            Asparagus                                 Avocado                                   Egg Yolk

            Goats Milk- Fresh                      Brown Rice                              Onions

            Garlic                                        Spirulina                                  Honey

18 months:        Foods high in B vitamins and calcium; allow infant to eat amount desired. Tahini                                        Lamb                                       Salad greens                                 Kelp                                          Eggplant                                  Rye  

Beets And Greens                 Chicken                                   Rutabaga

Beans                                       Fish                                         Buckwheat

21 months:        Foods high in protein to support growth.

            Eggs                                         Almond Butter                          Turkey

            Walnuts                                    Cornish Hen                             Beef Liver

            Cashew Butter                           Pineapple                                 Wheat

            Brewer's Yeast                          Oranges                                   Lentils             

2-3 years old: Sunflower Seeds, Corn, Lentils , Peanut Butter, Clams                                     

4 years old:   Milk products , Cottage Cheese, Yogurt

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