How Can I Encourage My Infant To Develop Healthy Eating Habits?

When your baby is six months old and you first introduce her to solid food do not try and overload her spoon. Trying to give her too much food could put her off trying other food types. Variety of foods is important so make sure you are feeding her the four main food groups which are: •    Bread, potatoes, rice and pasta •    Fruit and vegetables •    Meat, fish, eggs and beans •    Milk and dairy foods Avoid salt, sugar, fatty and spicy foods. Some infants enjoy a lightly spiced meal but generally babies cannot tolerate spicy foods. At mealtimes you can let your baby have sips of water from her beaker and if she likes fruit juice make sure it is well diluted and unsweetened (one part juice, ten parts water). Keep fruit juices to mealtimes only to help protect her teeth. Avoid using food as a bribe or treat and instead give your baby lots of attention and affection. There are so many products on the market that claim to make feeding your baby solids easier but there are a few that really do make your life easier: •    Spoons with rubber tips or plastic spoons that protect your baby’s gums •    A highchair once your baby can sit up alone. Do not give your crawling baby finger foods as the risk of choking is high. Introducing meals at the table in a high chair is a good way for her to develop good eating habits •    Plastic plates and bowls with suction cups at the bottom help to avoid spillages onto the floor •    A splash matt or newspaper on the floor under the highchair to catch spillages and make cleaning easier Once your baby starts eating solid foods you will notice her poo changes! It will change colour and smell different. If her poo is so firm you are concerned your baby is constipated then give her lots of fruit and vegetables and regular sips of water or well-diluted fruit juice. If this does not help with the constipation then speak to your doctor. Here are some tips to help you introduce your little one to healthy eating habits: •    Talk about what your baby is eating and make it fun! •    Teach her about fruits and vegetables •    Be a good role model because you baby will emulate you •    Never force your baby to eat •    Make meal times a family event that your baby is a part of •    Give your baby a varied and balanced diet •    Encourage her to drink water and offer it at every meal •    If certain foods are more difficult to feed your baby, do not give up because her taste changes daily •    Stick to a routine so the same times for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks •    Do not eat your family meals in a rush. Relax and enjoy the food and time together You want to give your baby the best start in life and encouraging her to have a healthy diet and eating habits begins with her first solid foods. Give her all natural foods and continue this way so that she will eventually make her own healthy food choices. Over the next three years your infant will develop and grow rapidly so vitamins and other nutrients are essential to her. Poor eating habits are linked to many health problems such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes and some cancers. Your baby does not have a refined palate like an adult but she will be very responsive to colour, taste and smell. The availability of fresh or frozen produce means your child should never be deprived of healthy, colourful, delicious and lovely smelling food. If you begin with feeding your baby a variety of fresh foods she will be more open and willing to taste and eat new flavours and types of foods as she grows up. By Eirian Hallinan