At Vitalia, we work with many parents to optimize nutrition for babies and children. Optimal health for a baby begins with breast milk when possible followed by introduction of solid foods after 6 months of age, keeping highly allergenic foods out of the diet until 1-2 years of age. A baby is usually ready for solid foods when he/she is able to sit up and is able to push food away.
The baby’s digestive system is developing rapidly in the first year of life. We feel that it is important to introduce one new food at a time and watch for any reactions to the newly introduced food. Here are some common signs of food sensitivities and allergic reactions:
Rash around mouth or anus Diarrhea or mucus stools
Hyperactivity or lethargy Redness of face, cheeks
Runny nose Allergic shiner (black eye)
Infection Writing backwards
Dyslexia Skin Reactions
Here is a list of foods that can be selected from to introduce according to the age of your child:
6 months
Mother’s milk
Cherries – pit and wash them
Banana’s
Prunes
Blackberries
Applesauce – blended apples
Grapes – remove seeds and mash
Pears
Blueberries – give frozen while teething
Carrot – cooked and mashed
Sprouts – blend in blender with water
Broccoli – may give gas
Yams
9 months
Papaya
Nectarines
Apples
Mashed Potato
Artichoke
Cabbage
Sweet Potato
String Beans
Peas
Oatmeal
Basmati Rice
Millet
Lima Beans
Split Pea Soup
12 months
Squash
Asparagus
Avocado
Swiss Chard
Parsnips
Onions
Garlic
Tofu
Brown Rice
Barley
Barley Green
Spirulina
Goats Milk – fresh
Yogurt
Blackstrap molasses – small quantities for anemia
Honey
18 months
Garbanzo bean flour – for pancakes, muffins
Greens – lettuce, beet greens
Rutabaga
Eggplant
Buckwheat
Rye
Kelp
Tahini
Beans
Lamb
Chicken
21 months
Wheat
Orange
Pineapple
Brewer’s Yeast
Cashew Butter
Almond Butter
Walnuts crushed
Eggs
Beef
Salmon
Turkey
Lentils
2-3 Years
Sunflower seeds
Cottage Cheese
Peanut Butter
Soy – Soy Milk, etc.
Corn