Introducing solids to your baby represents an opportunity to set them off on a path to enjoying nutritious, gut-healthy food for life… But it’s not always an easy task! Even the most well-thought out plans and über-prepared parents can come up against food rejection, unbelievable amounts of mess, and more frustration than you ever imagined…

With this in mind, here are 3 things NOT to do when introducing solids to your baby.

1. Don’t assume that a scrunched up face or spat out food means your baby won’t ever eat that particular food.

It can take up to TWENTY exposures to a particular food for a baby to accept and enjoy it. So don’t ever assume that, after four unsuccessful attempts with carrot, your child will never eat carrot…If you do this to every rejected food in the early days, there’ll be slim pickings left by their first birthday! If at first you don’t succeed, try, then try again!

2. Don’t force you child to eat anything they don’t want to!

If, like me, you grew up in the ‘clean your plate’ era, where someone would say to you something along the lines of ‘You can’t leave the table until you finish your plate’, you might struggle with this one. The fact is though, babies are typically born with a strong appetite self-regulation…It doesn’t matter to your baby that there’s only one more mouthful left on the plate…they are full and that’s that! Don’t override this natural ability by forcing them to finish whatever amount of food you’ve decided to put on their plate that day! 

3. Don’t make mealtime a stressful chore.

This time is for exploration. If your baby is under 12 months old, they’re still getting a lot of their energy from breastmilk or formula so food is a sidekick…Use this time to let your child explore different textures, tastes, and colours. Let them play. Don’t force them to use cutlery unless they are interested, and try to set up their highchair so that a bit of mess won’t turn you into a ball of stress. 

For more tips and a whole lot of important information about introducing solids to your little one, head to Module 8 of our online course ‘Healthy Gut, Healthier Baby’ and learn more from the best of the best, for just $47.

Nourishing your baby’s gut can help to set them on a path to a healthier, happier lifestyle! This means less sick days, more energy, and less worry about allergens, eczema, asthma…

To discover more about how introducing solids impacts your baby’s gut microbiome, purchase our online module 8 ‘Solids and Baby Gut Health’ for just $47. 

In this module, you will:

• Gain access to our clinical nutritionist, Brittany Darling’s, top tips and tricks for introducing solids.

• Discover how introducing solids influences your baby’s gut health.

• Learn how to set up your child for a lifelong love of wholesome food and good health.

• Gain an understanding on the current recommendations for prebiotic and probiotic supplements.

Your child will thank you for it! (OK…probably not until they have their own kids and realise how amazing you are…but they will!!)

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The information in this newsletter is provided for general educational purposes only.

Statements or opinions expressed in the newsletter should not be taken as fact, but as opinion on the current state of evidence based science.

This content is not (and should not be taken to be) medical advice or an endorsement, or recommendation, of any specific product or treatment.

If you require medical attention please seek professional advice from an appropriately experienced health practitioner.