Here are some helpful hints about your baby’s development that I learned over many years as a child care provider:
From 9 to 11 months of age your baby should:
- Begin to learn to hold a “sippy” cup.
- Reach for pieces of food and pick them up between their thumb and forefinger.
- Chew soft pieces of solid food.
When and how should I introduce solid foods?
- Introduce solid foods when your baby can sit with support and has good head and neck control.
- Offer iron-fortified rice cereal as the first solid food because it is least likely to cause an allergic reaction or a rash. Offer a small amount (1 or 2 teaspoons) of one new food at a time. Wait at least 7 days and see how your baby tolerates the new food before introducing the next new food.
- Introduce solid foods in this order: iron-fortified infant cereal, fruits and vegetables then meats.
- Do not add honey to food, water or infant formula because it can be a source of spores that cause botulism which can poison your baby.
- Do not add cereal to bottles and do not use “baby food nurser kits” (allowing solid foods to filter through the nipple along with the liquid).
When should I give my baby cow’s milk?
- Continue to feed your baby iron-fortified infant formula for the first year.
- Cow’s milk, goat’s milk and soy milk are not recommended until after your baby’s first birthday.
How can I protect my baby’s teeth from tooth decay?
- Serve 100% fruit juice in small amounts, about 4 ounces per day.
- Do not serve juice in a bottle. Juice served in a bottle can cover your baby’s teeth with sugar for long periods of time and contributes to tooth decay.
- Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle or allow them to have a bottle whenever they want. Help your baby stay on schedule.
- Clean your baby’s gums and teeth twice a day. Use a clean, moist washcloth to wipe their gums. Use a small soft toothbrush (without toothpaste) and water to clean their teeth.
When should I wean my baby from the bottle?
- As your baby begins to eat more solid foods and drink from a cup they can be weaned from the bottle.
- Begin to wean your baby gradually at about 9 to 10 months. By 12 to 14 months babies can drink from a cup.
How can I prevent my baby from choking?
- Use common sense. Avoid foods that may cause choking such as hard candy, mini-marshmallows, popcorn, pretzels, chips, spoonfuls of peanut butter, nuts, seeds, large chunks of meat, hot dogs, raw carrots, raisins and other dried fruits and whole grapes.
Should I give my baby sweets?
- Do not give your baby sweets such as candy, cake, or cookies during the first 12 months. Your baby needs to eat healthy foods for growth and development.
At The Tender Nest the healthy development of your baby is of prime importance. If you have found this information helpful, please let me know. We welcome your comments.
Stay tuned for more.
Nezzie
