Baby food expert Annabel Karmel dispels those weaning myths.
Myth: Start with bland food
Truth: Weaning offers a precious window of opportunity to develop your baby’s tastebuds. At this stage babies are at their most receptive to new tastes and flavours.
Myth: Only feed your baby fruit and veg from 6 months
Truth: Holding off introducing protein like meat and oily fish means your baby could be missing out on essential nutrients such as the iron and essential fatty acids that come from these food groups which help growth and brain developments.
Myth: Avoid foods like fish or eggs because of the risk of allergy
Truth: New advice is not to withhold foods like eggs and fish from six months. Giving these foods helps to desensitise babies. If you have a family history of allergies, seek medical advice before introducing any possible allergen foods.
Myth: Teething means they are ready for solids
Truth: The development of teeth doesn’t mean your baby is ready for solids. Some babies cut their milk teeth around four months which is too early as their digestive system is not fully developed.
Myth: There’s something wrong if my baby’s eating slows down
Truth: Babies grow more rapidly in their first year than at any other time in their life. Rate of growth slows down towards the end of the first year and so does their appetite. Also they become more mobile and independent and less likely to stay strapped into a high chair.
Myth: A low fat high fibre diet is good for babies
Truth: No, babies need proportionately more fat in their diet than adults so don’t give low fat milk or yoghurt as they need nutrient dense foods to fuel their rapid growth. Too much fibre can deplete the body of vital minerals and fill up your baby’s small tummy before he gets the nutrients he needs.
For lots more recipes and advice for your baby, visit www.annabelkarmel.com