Which foods should be prioritized during dietary diversification?

Around 4 to 6 months, depending on your feeling and your baby's personality, know that they are ready to discover new foods in addition to breastfeeding! This is the beginning of food diversification, an important stage in their development. But how to choose the right foods and introduce them gently? Don't worry, You & Milk guides you step by step.

Vegetables and fruits: a winning duo 🍎

After a few months of breastfeeding, parents begin the food diversification of their little one. Fruits and vegetables are essential to your baby's food diversification. True nutritional treasures, they provide a multitude of vitamins, minerals, and fibers essential for their growth and development. To start gently, favor vegetables with subtle flavors. Carrot, zucchini, or pumpkin are excellent choices. Their delicate taste and light texture make them easy-to-digest foods. Over the weeks, you can introduce vegetables with a stronger taste like spinach or peas. As for fruits, apple and pear are often appreciated. Don't forget the banana, rich in potassium and fiber, which can be easily mashed for a perfect texture.

Proteins: essential for growth 📈

Proteins play an important role in your baby's growth and development. They are the true building blocks of their little body in full evolution. But when and how to introduce them into their diet? I recommend starting to offer protein-rich foods around 7 to 8 months of age. White meats, such as chicken or turkey, are perfect for a start. Easy to digest and rich in iron, they provide your baby with the nutrients needed to grow well. Fish, for its part, provides essential fatty acids for brain development. Opt for fatty fish like salmon or sardines, making sure to remove all bones. Eggs are also an excellent source of protein. You can offer your child the hard-cooked yolk, then gradually introduce the white. However, be careful of allergy risks: ⚠️ watch your baby's reactions during the first intakes. However, don't forget plant proteins! Legumes like lentils or chickpeas are rich in fiber and iron. They can be introduced around 8-9 months, pureed to facilitate digestion.

Cereals and dairy products: for a balanced diet 🥛

To complete the picture, let's look at cereals and dairy products. These foods provide energy and essential nutrients for your toddler's growth. Infant cereals are often the first solid food introduced into baby's diet. Rich in iron and vitamins, they are easy to digest and can be mixed with baby's usual milk. Over time, you can introduce other cereals like rice, pasta, or bread, making sure to offer them well cooked and in small pieces. Regarding dairy products, yogurt and fromage blanc are excellent options to start. They provide calcium as well as proteins. Choose plain products, without added sugar, to which you can add fruits for more flavor. Be careful though, ⚠️ whole cow's milk should not be introduced before 1 year. Meanwhile, continue to give your baby breast milk, as long as you wish, without worrying about remarks and judgments from those around you or health professionals, you alone know what is best for your baby.

What should we remember then? 🧠

Food diversification is a true gustatory adventure for your little budding explorer 🌱. It is the opportunity to let them discover a multitude of flavors and textures, while taking care of their nutritional needs. Don't forget: every baby is unique and progresses at their own pace.