Starting fruit & vegetable purees
Once your baby has mastered single-ingredient cereals, it may be time to try single-ingredient fruits and vegetables like GERBER® 1ST FOODS® purees.
Role of 1st foods
While breastmilk or formula remains your baby’s main source of nutrition, 1ST FOODS purees introduce new tastes to your baby. 1ST FOODS purees are made with gentle ingredients ideal for your baby’s first bites, and they have smooth textures for babies learning how to eat. These single-ingredient fruits and vegetables work great as “tester” foods. Make sure to introduce one at a time and wait about three days to watch for signs of allergy or intolerance such as rash, diarrhea, or vomiting. If you suspect a reaction, stop feeding the new food and consult your pediatrician.
Fruits or veggies first?
Like many parenting queries, there’s more than one right answer. Some experts say fruits first, because they’re sweet like breastmilk. Others say vegetables first because babies may find vegetables harder to accept once they’ve tasted sweeter fruits. The order doesn’t matter so try what feels right for you and your baby.
Many parents like to start with the simple flavors of 1ST FOODS Applesauce or a mild, sweet vegetable such as 1ST FOODS Sweet Potatoes. Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t go bananas over her first bite of 1ST FOODS Squash—this is completely normal! Babies sometimes need at least 10 tries of a new food before accepting it.
First tastes
Start by scooping a few teaspoons of food into your baby’s bowl and be sure to never feed directly from the container unless you throw the uneaten portion away. Follow your baby’s lead, letting her eat as much or as little as she’d like.
When your baby starts solids, she’s open to new tastes. During these months, introduce a variety of colors and flavors as you go along the solid-food journey. A baby’s food preferences are developing now and can last for life. Find menus for your Supported Sitter at StartHealthyStayHealthy.com/SSMenus
