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Bathtime

Mealtime

Playtime

Sleepytime

Growing and Changing

Out in the World

Keep It Safe

Crying and Comforting

On the Changing Table

 

 





 


Mealtime ~ 6 to 12 months
By now your baby is eating solid food and is learning what to do with food and how to actually swallow it. Pureed foods will be followed by chunkier ones and small pieces of finger food. Eventually your baby will be sharing most items in your family's diet. Your pediatrician will supervise the introduction of each type and amount of food depending on your baby's growth and nutritional needs.
 
Your baby will begin to feed himself. Have two spoons ready at mealtime--one for your baby to enjoy eating with and one for you to actually get the food to his mouth. A large supply of sponges and a sense of humor also come in handy!
As soon your pediatrician gives you the go ahead, feel free to introduce finger foods--small pieces of food that he can pick up and get into his mouth on his own. This gives him a wonderful experience developing his coordination and a great triumph of independence and success.

Your baby has his own appetite and stomach. It's impossible to know how hungry another person is. Respect his decision to stop eating, when he is ready. If you have concerns about the amount he eats, talk with your pediatrician.

Continue to introduce foods one at a time to assess any allergic reactions and to give your baby an opportunity to get used to a new flavor and texture.
Wait a while and then try foods your baby rejected another time. He may come to like them the second time around.

As your baby becomes stable sitting up and can sustain an upright position, you will be ready to move him to a high chair. Always, always, always use the seat belt provided on your high chair to keep him safe.
Your baby's high chair can help him gradually become part of the family dinner hour. You might feed him first and then give him some finger foods on his tray to occupy him while you have your dinner.

Don't forget to include your baby in the dinnertime conversation! Mealtimes are wonderful for talking about what's happening, and helping your baby learn the names of his food and utensils. Your time in the kitchen together helps his language development.

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