OT at CFD

It is an exciting time when your baby starts to explore the world of food. Most pediatricians recommend starting of offer rice/oatmeal cereals and pureed fruits and veggies between 4-6 months of age. Keep in mind, breast milk or formula are still your baby’s primary source of nutrition at this time. So look at this time as a wonderful opportunity for sensory exploration! Here are some tips when starting solids with your baby:

-         Does your baby still demonstrate a strong tongue-thrust reflex (pushing things out with the tongue)?  If so, he/she may not be ready.

-         Position your baby in a high-chair with a harness strap.   Be sure they are positioned upright and use some towel rolls to help prop them. 

-         Minimize environmental distractions (TV, busy room)

-         Show them the spoon- but be careful to supervise play with the spoon. At this age they will mouth anything and can make themselves gag. Typically, your child will see the spoon and move his/her head towards it with mouth open. 

-         It is good to start with rice baby cereal mixed with breastmilk or formula, then try pureed veggies and fruit. Making your own baby food is easy and healthy for your baby (steam, mash puree/blend, place in ice cube trays, and freeze). Follow your pediatrician’s guidelines about introducing new foods and allergies.

-         Go against your “mommy intuition” to clean up your child between bites. Prepare and allow for a fun and messy feeding! Feeding is a mutli-sensory experience to be enjoyed by your baby!

-         If you have concerns with your baby’s readiness to start exploring puree foods, contact your local speech therapist or occupational therapist in Charlotte for an evaluation!