Part 2: There are several factors to consider before starting your child on solid food. Do they sit up well in the highchair? Do they have enough teeth? Do they have good control over swallowing?
When your children are ready for more solid food, the same vegetables are cooked and cut into very small pieces. They need a slight mushy texture so they are easy to chew and swallow. This is the stage where you say over and over again "one piece at a time." Many children tend to stuff too much food in their mouth which is a potential choking hazard. It is not too early to teach them about chewing with their mouth closed. Show them how you chew and they will imitate you. When they ask for "more please" they need to be told to finish chewing first so they are not speaking with their mouth full. It is NOT too early to learn good manners.
It is quite helpful to start with the vegetable, have them finish it, and then move to the next course. This way you always get the vegetable in prior to them being full. If you give them a plate with several things on it, they are going to eat their favorite first and leave the rest. The vegetable first strategy helps since they are hungriest at the start of the meal. I usually make more than one so they have a choice. They should have to try each vegetable several times but as a very small portion. They will learn to like more varieties as time goes on. It is important to introduce an assortment of vegetables, prepared in a variety of ways. For example, carrots have a different flavor cooked versus raw.
Pancakes, waffles, bread, biscuits...do not require butter or toppings. Your children will be perfectly happy eating these items served plain. They are not aware that it should be served differently. This way you avoid sugary toppings or dairy if they are under a year old. Making a dipping sauce out of fresh fruit using the blender or Baby Bullet would be fun for them as they age a bit.
Be aware of portion size, their stomach is as large or actually as small as their fist. You want them to know when they are full. It is a good habit to give them small amounts and they can always have a second helping. Some children feel overwhelmed when they are given an adult portion of food. Be careful not to force your child to eat more than they feel they are able. I insisted my children always eat their vegetables. Otherwise, I didn't expect them to finish everything on their plate. When you are full, you are full and I was pleased they could determine when to stop eating.
If your children have a smaller appetite, you may want to offer them a snack in between their regular meals. A small portion of a healthy snack will hold them over until their next meal. When I mention healthy snack, it doesn't always have to be a fruit or vegetable. Children also need breads, grains, pasta, and proteins to continue healthy growth. You may want to make sure that juice or sugary drinks are not causing their diminished appetite.
Some children have trouble with different textures and their gag reflex kicks in. Please do not force feed these items, it will make mealtime miserable for everyone. The gag reflex is a very real thing and should be taken seriously. Would you want someone to make you eat a food item that was making you gag? If you know that an item effects one family member but others enjoy it, just offer a second choice in this food category.
You will want to make sure that your child is ready for solid foods. Children need to understand that they are required to try new food items. Using the vegetable first strategy helps eliminate conflict at the end of the meal. Pay attention to portion sizes, it is helpful to start with small portions and they can always request a second helping. Try not to get stuck in the "favorites rut," instead enjoy the adventure. If you want successful cooperation at the table; start early offering a variety of food items.
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