Infant Nutrition: Transition from Breast Milk to Solids
The transition from breast milk to solid foods is proving to be a difficult task for me and my 10 month old. We started the introduction of solid foods at 6 months but now 4 months later we are still trying. I am hoping that these last 4 months are not an indication that my baby has inherited her father’s “distinguished” pallet.
First Solid Foods
We began the introduction of solid foods with rice cereal flakes mixed with water, breast milk, or applesauce. She would eat a few spoonfuls but then turn her nose. Thanks to a friend, I was able to find jarred cereals with fruit but her acceptance was short.
Next up on the meal plan was fruits and vegetables. I was excited when she opened her mouth in an effort to eat more sweet potatoes, squash, and carrots. Her favorite fruits were mixtures such as apple strawberry banana and apricots with mixed fruit. Her menu became routine in which she would eat sweet potatoes for lunch and/or dinner with a fruit blend in the morning. I quickly decided that variety was needed as she was getting bored with her food.
Nutrition: 6-10 months
I had high hopes that as more and more foods were introduced in her diet, her likes and dislikes would increase. I noticed that she was eating more snacks than the jarred baby food. As her finger-mouth coordination improved, she wanted to eat what she could pick up with her fingers and less with a spoon. I began to cut up small pieces of apples, bananas, chicken, green beans, and peas. I continued to try to feed her jarred food but I end up throwing more food away than is consumed.
Now at 10 months old, I find that she wants to nurse more than eat. I continue to try new finger foods but she is not eating near the amount she should be at her age. I constantly worry about her nutrition and wonder if this is a pattern that will remain as a toddler. I browse articles on the internet and skim parenting books and magazines for nutrition ideas. I still find myself wondering, is becoming a picky eater genetic???
