Baby Food Concerns, Information and Schedule

The time to start feeding your baby is once your child begins reaching for food, is sitting up well, and is at least 6 months old. Breastfed babies do not require solid foods for the first year. If you’re concerned that your child is not nursing enough then you should consult a qualified lactation consultant or La Leche League, http://www.lalecheleague.org.

General guidelines for feeding your baby are the following:

• no hydrogenated “trans” fats (this is even in some baby foods)
• no sugars (or honey under 1 yr. old), refined sugars such as high fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, Sucralose, and others
• no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or sweeteners – check the MSG “Excitotoxin” list under that article, which can be found under the e-Newsletter section
• no milk products under one year old
• introduce one food at a time with a 4-day wait period in between each new food to verify that there is no allergic reaction
• give only pure filtered water, free of chlorine and fluoride

General schedule for introduction of foods:
** (Breastfeeding should still be the primary source of food at least through the first year)

• 6 months and older
  • vegetables (preferably in season and organic)
    • winter squash, avocado, sweet potatoes, other in season vegetables
• 7 months and older
  • vegetables (preferably in season and organic)
    • asparagus, carrots, green beans, peas, summer squash, other in season vegetables
• 8 months and older
  • vegetables and some fruits (preferably in season and organic)
    • banana, apricot, nectarine, peaches, pears, plums, prunes, broccoli
• 9 months and older
  • vegetables, fruits, and cooked eggs, extra virgin olive oil (added to foods)
• 10 months and older
  • vegetables, fruits, eggs, red meats (hormone/antibiotic-free), and rice
• 11 months and older
  • vegetables, fruits, eggs, meats, grains (other than wheat), rice, fish, poultry
• 1 year and older
  • all of the above plus citrus fruits, tomatoes, honey, wheat, dairy, corn, soy (in moderation – UNfermented soy tends to act like estrogen in the body), nuts & seeds – add these slowly as they are the most allergenic foods
  • Then add other whole, natural foods