To start giving a baby food without grinding, it is necessary to take into account very important issues. For example, regardless of how old the baby is, must stand upright when sitting. Since only then can we ensure that the baby can swallow safely. Some babies acquire this ability around 4 or 5 months, but each one has its own rhythm and it is essential to respect each one's time.
What specialists say is that from six months, the baby is ready to try foods other than breast milk or formula. But this is based on the maturation of the baby's digestive system, rather than on your ability to swallow or stay seated. However, when you start with purees and shredded foods, it is not exactly the same as solid foods.
Should you give a baby raw food?
For some time now, the way of feeding babies in complementary feeding has changed course. When until now, everything was based on crushed foods, the pediatrician specified that, now more and more families opt for the introduction with whole solid foods. This is what is known as "Baby Led Weaning" and it is the first option among the famous and influencers of the moment.
This type of complementary feeding consists of introducing whole foods, with minimal preparation so that it is not dangerous. What is always tried is that the food maintains its shape, its texture and its unique flavor. Cause so baby can enjoy an experience where all your senses are developed at the same time that it begins to feed like the adults.
One of the advantages with respect to the crushed ones is that the baby discovers the food, can touch it, discover its smell and taste in its original format. When food is crushed, it changes its texture and in many cases its taste changes, especially if it is mixed with other foods as usual. Another advantage of this method is that the baby regulates himself and eats what he really needs.
How to feed my baby without crushing
If you want to let your baby taste raw foods, you should consider some very important aspects such as the following.
- The food must be cooked so that it is not difficult to swallow and digest. Start with greens and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots or sweet potatoes. Foods that taste easy to assimilate and when cooked or roasted are tender and the risk of choking is minimal.
- Let me taste your food. If your baby has already tried a food and you know that he tolerates it well, you can let him try it in other ways. Babies are curious about what the grown-ups eat, let them taste your plate with their bare hands, suck their fingers and discover the food as it will be eaten in a while.
- Meat or fish in whole pieces. When it's time to taste the meat or fish, you can also let them eat it without grinding. The meat can be grilled, a chicken tenderloin is a good option to start with. Grilled fish is a good option, choose white fish with a mild flavor, such as hake or rooster.
Combine whole foods with ground foods
There is no general rule when it comes to babies or young children, because each one is totally different. It's very important take into account the needs of each one and respect their time in every question. Some babies are very curious about food and enjoy whole foods. Others prefer the mashed and are reluctant to try whole foods.
Let your baby explore the food at his own pace, the important thing is that he feeds well and enjoy food without pressure. Remember that milk should be the main source of food until the year, so you have time to let him discover the food slowly, without haste and at his own pace.