Solids - who knew food was so complicated?!

Food is pretty much the most basic thing in existence, right? We need to eat to stay alive and, outside of breathing, there is really no easier activity than chewing. So, why are solids so complicated when it comes to our babies?

Food Allergies
The first decision you will likely have to make is when to start feeding your baby solids. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding your child for 6 months. Of course, not all families take this route, so this piece will recognize that starting at 4 months is an option if you want it to be and if your pediatrician is on board with it.

Studies about age at which a child first starts solids are of little help. The "open gut" theory is that, between four and six months of age, babies have an "open gut," which means that the small intestines's cells have spaces that will allow intact macromolecules, including whole proteins and pathogens, to pass directly into the bloodstream. Some studies say that this is true because nature wants babies to be able to readily accept antibodies from breastmilk and that the danger is that large proteins from other foods and disease-causing pathogens can also get through. These studies cite evidence that starting solids before 6 months increases a child's risk for food allergies.

Of course, there is the other side. Other scientific studies have recently shown that delaying introduction of solid foods may be associated with increased risk of food allergies.

In other words, science is on your side for reducing your child's chance of allergies whether you choose to introduce solids at four months or six months. In more other words, nobody seems to know, so go with your gut (pun intended).

Sleep
My mom was constantly telling us how much better my son would sleep once we started feeding him solids. Then, once we started him on solids and his sleep patterns did not change, she kept saying how surprised she was that he was not sleeping better. This is one of those wives' tales that just will not die. Science no longer believes that solids make a baby sleep for longer periods or more soundly, perhaps with the exception of babies who are not getting enough to eat or are not properly gaining weight. (See Committee on Nutrition American Academy of Pediatrics. Supplemental foods for infants. In: Pediatric Nutrition Handbook, 4th ed, Kleinman, RE (Ed), American Academy of Pediatrics, Elk Grove Village, IL 1998. p.43. I cannot seem to get a link to this for some reason.) From my experience, zero difference.

Is Organic Necessary
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that organic baby food is no more nutritious or safer than other baby foods. Organic baby food is also more expensive that other baby foods. As we all know, however, organic does expose your baby to fewer pesticides and other contaminants in raw food. This is really an interesting topic to me because I had decided, before starting my son on solids, that I was going to make all of his food. Then, I went to start with peas as his first vegetable and the amount of salt in the organic peas available at Whole Foods was 10 times greater than the amount of salt in the Earth's Best jarred organic peas. So, his very first non-cereal food was from a jar.

Here is what I have decided to do. With the "dirty dozen" foods (peach, apple, bell pepper, celery, nectarine, strawberry, cherry, kale, lettuce, grape, carrot, pear), I will be buying organic and making it myself. Anything I can buy fresh, I will buy fresh and make myself (organic or not). Anything I have to buy frozen or canned, I will be buying from Earth's Best.

What comes first?
At four or six months, or any other age, regardless of whether the food is organic, you are going to have to decide what type of food to first (and second, and third...) give to your baby.

Of course, there are theories on this as well. Some people believe in letting your child eat with his hands first (baby-lead weaning). Some people believe in starting with rice cereal and going from there. Still others, start with a puree of their own choosing on a spoon. Bananas is a popular first choice because it tastes most like breast milk. (I note that diet does affect the taste of breast milk, so this really may not be even close to true for some people.)

We started with rice for five weeks, moved to oatmeal for one week, and then to peas (this is where we are at this piece's writing). Basically, we chose a very traditional route with our choices. My son is eating from a dish with a spoon. I might add that he loves to grab the spoon and "feed himself!"

Some final notes:
Breast milk or iron-fortified formula should be your baby's primary source of nutrition until the age of one year.

Always wait at least three days between introducing a new food and watch your child for signs of allergies. Allergy symptoms include: loose stools, excess gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, streaks of blood or mucus in the stools, constipation, hives, ear infections, stuffy noses, runny noses, watery or red eyes, wheezing, asthma flare-ups, and eczema. Sometimes eczema or even fussiness id the only sign of a food allergy. If so, those are likely to disappear if you cease giving your child the offending food.

If you have a family history of food allergies, delay introduction of things like nuts, shellfish, and egg whites until the age of one year.

If you choose to make your own baby food, there are some recipies here. Just remember, it is often as easy as the food and a little water!

Be sure to ask your pediatrician about solids introduction and for guidance as to what foods to choose. Remember, though, it is your choice in the end!