Truthbomb: Food Before One Is Not Just Fun

As parents it seems like we are constantly stumbling through figuring out what is best for our children. A quick search on the internet for answers can lead to even more confusion. Let me clear up a wildly popular misunderstood and misused phrase; “Food before one is just for fun”. Complimentary feeding is the introduction of food to an infant while still providing breastmilk or formula. As we discuss complimentary feeding, know that everything mentioned is substantially backed with a wealth of scientific evidence-based research. So, let’s dive in!

Timing of food introduction could reduce obesity risk. Food should begin to be introduced to infants between the ages of 4 to 6 months of age. Complimentary feeding before 4 months shows an increased risk for children having excess fat on their body until adolescence. The unnecessary fat risk is for both breastfed and formula fed infants. Formula fed children are additionally at risk for more fat if introduction is after 6 months of age.

Micronutrients are important contributors from complimentary foods. Vitamin D, Alpha Linoleic Acid are micronutrients to be monitoring. Iron specifically is important for breastfed babies. A baby is born with iron stores in their bodies, however between 4- 6 months of age those stores are getting used up and it is time to start adding it in through diet. A common argument against iron supplementation is that iron is in breastmilk. This is partly true. In breastmilk, there is iron called lactoferrin and it is a lot easier for the baby to use in their bodies. Even with lactoferrin, it is not enough iron to reach the recommended 11 mg suggested (NIH) for rate of growth and metabolism at 7 months of age. Great sources of iron are meats, poultry, and fish. Beans and lentils can also be great sources of iron but be sure to add vitamin C to help with maximize absorption. Berries and citrus are examples for Vitamin C.

Early introduction to allergenic foods may prevent development of a food allergy.5 The eight most common food allergens are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. I know early introduction is opposite to what used to be recommended but there is a lot of evidence out there showing those recommendations to no longer be valid. Delayed allergen exposure is now believed to play a role in developing food allergens. Comprehensive research shows that introducing top allergen foods as early as 6 months should not be delayed and may even reduce allergen development.The American Academy of Pediatrics warns not to expose allergens prior to 4 months of age because there is an increased risk of developing a food allergy. If you follow the guidelines to introduce foods between the age of 4-6 months. For ease of mind, consider introducing the food at a doctor’s appointment or in the lobby. The eight most common food allergens are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.

Let have fun introducing new foods and know that our children are getting so much more out the whole experience!

Be sure to talk to your doctor about starting foods, allergens, and any concerns that you may have.

First introductions: I personally liked to do introductions early in the day. This way you have the entire day to watch and see how your child responds to the food. Only introduce one food act a time. The food should be unseasoned and unsalted and mixed with breastmilk or formula.

Food Safety: Never feed baby directly from a jar. This puts germs that are in the baby’s mouth into the jar. Portion out servings and store appropriately.

Food Storage: most prepared babyfood (mashed, pureed,) can last up to two days in the fridge. Store prepared baby food in ice cube trays and freeze them for a maximum of 2 months.7 The ice cubes are perfect potions for starting out!