At 7 months, your baby’s culinary universe expands like a blooming flower bed! New foods invite themselves to their plate while they explore different textures and flavors. Whether it’s vegetables, fruits, starches, or proteins, many foods can now become part of your little gourmet’s daily routine. But what is best to offer them? A closer look at the feast within their little hands’ reach.
How to introduce new foods?
The introduction of solid food at 7 months is an exciting opportunity. To make the experience enjoyable, it is advisable to offer one food per meal. Whether it’s purees or little melt-in-your-mouth pieces, each bite should be an adventure. Why not let baby discover the foods with their hands? This exploration stimulates their fine motor skills and independence. Also, think about teaching them to drink a little water from a cup, a skill they will quickly master.
Which vegetables to prioritize?
Vegetables become your allies in diversifying your child’s diet. Starting at 7 months, you can explore nearly all types of vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, zucchini, and even broccoli. Ensure they are well-cooked and easily digestible to avoid any choking hazards. Mixed vegetables are also welcome to bring a palette of flavors, making each puree even more appealing.
Fruits on the menu
Babies at this age can enjoy fruits in various ways. Opt for bananas, pears, or even ripe citrus fruits. It is better to lightly cook them if necessary to aid digestion. Avoid adding sugar to preserve their natural sweet flavor. Homemade compotes are a delicious option to offer for a snack!
Starches: essential for energy
Starches such as pasta, rice, or potatoes are excellent for providing the energy that baby needs to explore the world. Try presenting them in suitable forms, like small purees or melting pieces. Mixing them with vegetables makes them even more appetizing, making each bite both nourishing and enjoyable.
Meats and fish: protein sources
Proteins are essential for growth. Offer your baby poultry, well-cooked fish, and even finely mashed eggs. Prefer lean meats, such as chicken or turkey, and remember to check for bones in the fish.
Recommended quantities
It is not always easy to know how much to feed your little one. Generally, a 7-month-old baby will need three balanced meals a day, accompanied by a snack. A good intake of milk, around 500 ml, is essential to complement their diet. Vegetables and fruits should be offered freely at each meal.
Foods to avoid
To ensure a healthy diet, it is crucial to avoid certain foods such as honey before the age of one, raw dairy products, as well as raw meat or fish. These precautions help ensure food safety and avoid risks of allergies or choking.
How to handle food refusals?
It happens that some babies go through periods of being less interested in food. It can be useful to identify the cause: perhaps a taste they don’t like! Offering varied options can rekindle their interest. By providing soft pieces they can pick up with their fingers, you encourage them to discover the pleasures of the table at their own pace.
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Through this exploration of tasty dishes and essential nutrients, a 7-month-old baby will discover a rich and diverse culinary world. Each meal is a new opportunity to help them appreciate the richness of homemade foods. It is necessary to take time and remain attentive to their needs and preferences. Have you ever seen that wonder in a child’s eyes when discovering new flavors? It’s a moment you will always remember, like the day I offered my little one a piece of fresh cucumber. Their smile and curious gaze at the crunchy texture were unforgettable. Offering a baby this palette of foods is much more than feeding them; it’s awakening their culinary curiosity!
