5 things YOU should know…
…before starting the wonderful world of food with your little love
IT ISN’T A RACE! Pēpi has the rest of their life to enjoy the wonderful world of food, start slow and only when showing the developmental signs of readiness.
At around 4 months old pēpi will no doubt be grabbing everything, putting it straight in their mouth and maybe even getting excited at the sight of food. This it totally normal, but this alone doesn’t mean they are ready to enter the wonderful world of food.
Look for these 4 signs of readiness; 1: Pēpi should be able to sit unassisted/unsupported without needing to be propped up with cushions or a Bumbo style seat. 2: You will notice your little one has developed or is at least practicing the ‘pincer grasp’. 3: Pēpi has lost the tongue thrust reflex. 4: Pēpi is showing an interest in food and can actively and willingly indicate that they are hungry/want to eat by leaning in towards food and also turning their head away to show they have had enough.
Starting solids is less about filling your little ones puku and more about fulfilling nutrient needs.
Crazy to think that such a small person between 6-24 months requires more iron than an adult male!! At around 6months old your pēpi begins to require more nutrients than what breast milk and/or formula alone can provide. The amount of growth and development that’s crammed into the first two years of life is absolutely astounding. This is where nutrient rich foods come to the rescue and support the optimal growth and development of your pēpi. Essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, choline, vitamin D, calcium and nourishing fats/omega 3’s - these are ESSENTIAL to the growth and development of little minds and bodies.
There is no “normal” when it comes to how much your pēpi eats, and the style of feeding they prefer. So don’t worry about comparing your little one to others around them. You and your pēpi are uniquely you!
Start slow and let pēpi take the lead. Some little ones are incredibly enthusiastic eaters when developmentally ready and they launch in with both hands and a face full of wonderful food, If this is not the case and your pēpi prefers to play, learn and explore their food don’t lose heart.
There is no “normal” so keep encouraging, keep offering and allowing the time and space to feel, play and learn,
Every bite DOES matter!
Pēpi is little and so is his/her food portions BUT their nutrient requirements are BIG. So, whatever food we offer we want it to be loaded with goodness and nutrient rich - even if they just have one bite at least we made it count.
SURPRISE!! Your little one loves flavour.
Don’t be tricked into thinking that your little one needs/wants bland and boring foods! You may be surprised to know that our little humans, more often than not LOVE vibrant tasty foods such as sardines, tart berries and sauerkraut. We have this golden window of opportunity between 7-10 months when our little one is super curious and willing to try new foods. THIS is our opportunity to introduce and expose our little ones to REAL WHOLE FOOD flavours and in doing so broaden their taste range - ultimately creating an adventurous eater or at least a less picky eater.
