Around 6 months, your baby's doctor will give you the green light to offer her solid food. This is when she'll likely be able to sit upright; her "tonge-thrust" reflex, which causes her to push things out of her mouth, will have disappeared; and she'll be less at risk of developing allergies to new foods. So put on old t-shirt or tie on an apron, because sometimes what goes in go comes right out! Here's what else you'll need:
- BIBS
- That little patch of fabric your baby's been wearing to catch the occasional dribble of breastmilk or formula just won't cut it when it comes to less liquidy meals. What you need now: a bib that 1) that will cover as much of her front as possible; 2) that you can easily toss into the wash, or rinse or wipe off; and 3) if she's the type of tot who'll try, that she can't pull off easily (one that ties rather than Velcros, for example). You'll find there are plenty to choose from--cute ones, too! Be sure to buy several, that you always have a clean one handy.
- BABY SPOONS
- Go ahead and use the heirloom silver one from your in-laws for your child's first bite (think of the points you'll rack up when you send them the photo!). Then switch to a long-handled spoon with a small, soft, rubber-covered bowl: Your baby's tender gums will thank you. And if you don't trust yourself to get the temperature of her food just right, consider a spoon that changes colors when it's too hot. Don't think twice about stocking up; these things tend to mysteriously disappear!
- BOWLS
- Small plastic ones can come in handy for mixing up cereal and milk or decanting jarred baby food into. If they have lids, you can use them store leftovers.
- INFANT CEREAL
- Depending on what the doctor recommends, this could be your baby's first solid food--typically, infant rice cereal mixed to a thin consistency with breastmilk or formula. Dry infant cereals have more iron than pre-mixed and jarred ones (which may, of course, be more convenient if you're out and about). Cereal you prepare with the kind of milk your baby's used to drinking will probably go over with her taste buds more easily too.
- JARRED BABY FOOD
- Some pediatricians prefer to start their little patients off with, believe it or not, meat--which is rich in two nutrients that babies tend to be low on: iron and zinc. Whenever you begin giving your baby prepared foods (including fruits and veggies), be sure to buy jars that are labeled specifically for infants (you'll see words like "first foods" or "stage 1).
- HIGH CHAIR
- It's perfectly fine to spoon feed your baby in her infant seat, stroller, or even on your lap, as long as she's sitting up. But if you want to go ahead and buy a high chair (it will be a godsend once your child is feeding herself), keep in mind that these days, high chairs have all sorts of bells-and-whistles, from removable trays to toys, any or all of which might appeal to you. At the very least, though, look for a chair that 1) can be adjusted for height; 2) has wheels; 3) has a washable/wipe-able seat pad; and 4) has a 3-point seatbelt.
- It's tough to say who'll be most delighted by your baby's first spoonful of mush--you or her--but it's guaranteed to be a true Kodak moment, so you might want to add "camera" to this list of essentials.
