6 Reasons Why Introducing Food Before One is More than Just Fun
When it comes to starting solids with your little one, you might have heard the saying, "Food before one is just for fun." While fun is absolutely essential—because let’s face it, an unhappy baby isn’t going to eat much—there's so much more happening behind the scenes when your baby dives into the world of solid foods. From building essential skills to preventing future allergies, your little one is soaking up a wealth of knowledge and growth that you might not even realize. So, let's break it down and explore why this stage is critical for your baby’s development!
1. Allergy Prevention
Did you know that introducing common allergens to your baby's diet between 6 and 12 months can actually help prevent allergies later on? According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), getting your baby accustomed to foods like peanuts, eggs, and dairy early on teaches their immune system that these foods are safe. This proactive approach significantly lowers the chances of allergic reactions as they grow. Aim to introduce all 14 allergens, including all 9 tree nuts, before your baby turns one.
Introducing allergens to your little one can be daunting, but our Allergen Intro Pack makes it safer and easier for parents to do so, step by step. This award winning pack features 14 common allergens, including almond, peanut, and cow's milk, conveniently provided in powdered form and individual sachets to minimise choking hazards. With high quality, rigorously tested ingredients, our Allergen Intro Pack is a reliable way to help your bub explore a world of flavours while safely managing potential allergens.
2. Nutrient Needs that Milk No Longer Covers
Around six months, your baby's iron stores that were stocked up in gestation start to dwindle, making it crucial to introduce iron rich foods into their diet. Iron is vital for their growth and development, so foods like pureed meat, legumes should become staples. But it’s not just iron you need to think about - zinc is equally important for boosting their immune system and aiding in overall growth. Animal products and wholegrains provide a good source of zinc.
And let’s not forget about omega-3 fatty acids! These essential fats, particularly DHA found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines, play a significant role in brain development. So, mix it up with a variety of foods, ensuring your baby gets a healthy dose of iron, zinc, and omega-3s to support their growth and brain power.
3. Fine Motor Skills / Hand-Eye Coordination
Starting solids is not just about the food; it's also about the learning experience that comes with it. Playing with food allows your little one to practise essential skills like grabbing, scooping, and bringing food to their mouth. These activities are crucial for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Think about it: when they squish a piece of banana or try to grasp soft carrot, they're not just playing — they're improving their ability to control their little fingers and movements. You might find that allowing your baby to explore different textures, like soft fruits or cooked vegetables, can really boost their confidence and help them master those crucial skills.
4. Oral Motor Skills
Did you know that chewing, moving food around, and swallowing are like a workout for your baby’s mouth? These activities strengthen their lips, tongue, and jaw - all the muscles that will eventually help them learn to talk! As they navigate different textures, they’re getting essential practice for both mealtime and future conversations.
Encourage this by offering a range of foods that require different chewing motions. For example, give them a mix of soft foods and those that require more effort, like toast or corn on the cob. This not only makes mealtimes more engaging but also sets them up for success as they grow and develop.
5. Social Skills
Mealtime is more than just filling tummies; it's a prime opportunity for your little one to soak up social cues. When your baby sits at the table with the family, they’re not only munching on food—they’re also picking up on social interactions. They learn to wait their turn, share food, and enjoy conversations, which all contribute to building their social skills.
By making mealtimes a fun, interactive experience filled with laughter and chatter, you’re helping your little one feel like an integral part of the family. This early introduction to social eating creates a sense of belonging and boosts their confidence, setting the stage for positive interactions as they grow.
6. Preventing Picky Eating Later On
Starting your baby on a variety of flavours and textures early on is like training their taste buds to be adventurous. If they’re exposed to a range of foods - think sweet, savoury, crunchy, and smooth - they’re less likely to develop picky eating habits down the road.
Introduce different fruits and veggies regularly, experimenting with purees, chunks, and even dipping options. The goal is to normalise new flavours and textures, making your little one more open to trying new foods as they grow. By establishing a diverse diet early, you’re setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.
Important To Note
Now, we’re not here to add any pressure - just highlighting how much these tiny humans learn and grow while enjoying their tiny meals (or big meals if you’ve got a bigger appetite on your hands!). As long as you’re offering a variety of foods rich in iron, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, and creating a fun, pressure-free mealtime vibe, you’re doing great!
If you ever have concerns about your baby's growth or starting solids, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP or a paediatric dietitian. Remember, it's all about fostering a positive relationship with food while encouraging your little one’s development. Happy feeding!
Everything you Need for Starting Solids
Is your bub about to start solids? We have everything you need, to make life so much more convenient:
✅Veggie Puree Starter Pack (10 individual veggies)
✅Fruit Puree Packs
✅Salmon Puree
✅Beef Puree
✅Chicken Puree
✅Allergen Intro Packs (14 individual allergens)
✅Tree Nut Maintenance Meal Packs (all 9 tree nuts)
Please note, our advice is general in nature and should not replace any advice provided to you by your health professional. Ensure your bub is over 4 months old and is showing signs of readiness before starting solids. If you have any concerns about your bubs development or starting solids consult your GP or other health professional.*
