As our Little Boss began to express curiosity about food, we approached the introduction to solids with careful consideration. Rather than immediately diving into solid foods, we prioritized establishing a routine and environment conducive to healthy eating habits. The initial step involved acquiring a high chair and familiarizing her with it, aiming to associate this space with mealtime. This intentional approach laid the foundation for her first foray into solids, which began with a gentle introduction—a simple rice rusk.
As her dexterity improved and she could nibble on the rusk without frequent gagging incidents, we recognized the readiness for the next phase—introducing proper solid foods. However, today's focus isn't on that progression. Instead, we're delving into the delightful world of snacking!
Even as she began to enjoy snacks like mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, and suitable treats such as Gerber or rice rusks on alternate days, we remained mindful that her primary nutrients were sourced from formula milk. To strike a balance, we gradually introduced just one snack and one solid meal between 5 to 7 months old, ensuring a gradual integration of supplementary foods while prioritizing the essential nourishment from formula milk.
Our Little Boss's cherished early snack choice!
As she grew, we gradually introduced 2 snacks and 2 to 3 solid meals daily. Our aim, even now, remains to balance her snacking to avoid impacting her regular mealtimes. We've observed moments when she takes only a few bites, potentially due to earlier snacks filling her up. This led us to establish specific snack times and portion sizes to ensure a harmonious eating routine.
We strongly advocate against providing snacks on immediate demand to our Little Boss as it might encourage continuous grazing throughout the day. This approach could lead to a preference for smaller, frequent bites over a substantial single meal. As children approach the developmental phase of fussy eating, typically around one year of age, managing meal and snack times becomes crucial. Maintaining control over these timings can be immensely beneficial during this transitional period.
After setting the boundaries, we engaged in clear communication with our Little Boss, letting her know when her snack time was over and when the next eating opportunity would arise. Initially challenging, we persisted through her cries, remaining resolute in our decision. Over time, as we stayed consistent, she grasped the routine, leading to fewer battles and a smoother understanding of meal schedules.
You may need to face some tricky moments but once you get there, you will likely to see your Little Boss eating main meals with more enthusiasm!
If you need any other tips, do drop us a comment!
You can also explore some of our favourite snacks here!