Learn how to start introducing baby food

Breast milk is the best and most recommended for the baby. After 6 months, however, parents can begin to introduce other types of food into the child’s routine. “From this age, breast milk alone does not meet all nutritional needs, and it needs to be supplemented with new foods, but not replaced. Therefore, food in this phase is called complementary”, explains the professor in the area of ​​Nutrition, Flávia da Silva Santos.

How to feed

Almost all food groups can make up the complementary feeding. “It must contain nutrients that complement breast milk, such as rice, roots, beans, meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables. It should not contain egg whites, honey, processed products, salt, sugar and additional oil”, recommends nutritionist Andressa Roehrig Volpe.

One should also avoid cow’s milk and its derivatives, soy, oats, oilseeds (peanuts, almonds, walnuts, etc.), chocolate, fish, seafood. Foods that are difficult to chew are also prohibited, such as popcorn, peanuts, etc.

food preparation

In addition to quality food, it is necessary to pay attention to the preparation of meals. “Complementary food must be prepared separately, with natural seasonings (garlic, onion, tomato, etc.) and little salt”, explains professor Flávia da Silva Santos.

According to her, the food should not be beaten in a blender, but mashed with a fork, “to encourage learning in children of mastication. The meats must be well cooked and well shredded. Ideally, it should be prepared daily, always being fresh, ”he adds.

Care with seasonings

Andressa Roehrig Volpe draws attention to the use of seasonings: “We recommend using light and natural seasonings, but not in excess. The seasonings that can be used are: coriander, parsley, onion, chives, garlic, tomato and mint”, she indicates.

Offer food more than once

Food introduction is not an easy task, it may take time for the child to get used to the new flavors. “It is worth remembering that it must be presented to the foods more than once, until we come to the conclusion that she really does not accept or does not like this food”, advises Andressa Roehrig Volpe.

function of food

Nutritionist Andressa Roehrig Volpe explains the role of food for the baby’s development. Look:

• Roots and rice: they are responsible for providing energy to carry out vital functions, as well as for linear and muscle growth, as carbohydrates are energetic nutrients;
• Meat: are source ofproteins, the building foods that are responsible for the child’s entire structure (muscles, bones, skin, hair). Proteins also play a fundamental role in the defense system of the child’s body, since all defense cells are proteins;
• Vegetables and fruits: they are sources of vitamins and minerals, the so-called regulatory nutrients, which end up contributing to all the chemical reactions that occur in children’s bodies, such as digestion, breathing and reasoning.