What should my seven month old be eating: A guide to nourishing your little one

Watching your little one grow and develop is such a joy, and it's natural to want to give them the best start in life. It's exciting to introduce new foods to your seven-month-old, and figuring out what they should be eating can feel a bit overwhelming at times. Don't worry, we'll explore some healthy and delicious options together!
It's incredible how much your seven-month-old is learning and growing! Their little bodies are becoming more capable of digesting a wider range of foods, and they're discovering the amazing world of flavors. Many of us have felt the excitement and sometimes, the anxiety of introducing new foods to our babies.

Remember, every journey is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. It's all about finding what works best for your little one. Let's start by building a strong foundation:

**Breastmilk or formula is still the primary source of nutrition for your baby:**

* **Breast milk:** Provides all the nutrients your baby needs in the first year of life, and it's packed with antibodies that help build their immune system.
* **Formula:** A great alternative if breastfeeding isn't working for you, and there are different formulas to suit your baby's needs.

**Introducing solid foods:**

* **Start with single-ingredient foods:** Begin with pureed fruits and vegetables, like sweet potato, avocado, banana, or pear. Offer a small amount at a time and watch for any allergic reactions.
* **Gradually introduce new foods:** Once your baby is comfortable with one or two foods, you can slowly add more options. Be sure to introduce them one at a time, waiting a few days between each new food to see how your baby tolerates it.
* **Offer a variety of textures and flavors:** As your baby gets older, you can start offering more textured foods, like mashed fruits and vegetables, soft cooked meat, and finger foods they can pick up.
* **Focus on iron-rich foods:** Around six months, your baby's iron stores start to deplete, so it's important to include iron-rich foods in their diet. Good options include pureed meat, iron-fortified cereals, and lentils.
* **Avoid foods that can be choking hazards:** Stay away from small, hard, or sticky foods until your baby is older.

**Some things to keep in mind:**

* **Don't be afraid to get messy!** Food exploration is a messy process, and it's a part of learning and enjoying new tastes.
* **Listen to your baby's cues:** If they are not interested in a particular food, don't force it. Try offering it again in a few days.
* **Be patient and consistent:** It may take several tries for your baby to accept a new food.

**Real-life scenarios:**

* "My baby loves bananas, but they're not interested in apples!" It's common for babies to have preferences, and it's ok. Continue offering a variety of foods, and eventually, they might discover a new favorite.
* "My baby keeps spitting out solid foods." It's perfectly normal for babies to reject solid foods at first. Try offering smaller portions, different textures, and keep trying!

**Addressing common worries:**

* **"My baby is not eating enough solids."** If your baby is still gaining weight and is happy and healthy, don't worry too much about the amount of solid foods they're consuming. Breastmilk or formula remains their primary source of nutrition.
* **"What if my baby has allergies?"** It's a natural concern. If you have a family history of allergies, talk to your pediatrician about introducing potentially allergenic foods like eggs, dairy, nuts, or soy.
* **"How do I know if my baby is getting enough iron?"** Your pediatrician can check your baby's iron levels and advise you on iron-rich foods.

**Encouragement:**

It's wonderful to see how curious your baby is about the world around them. Each bite is a learning experience! Be patient with yourself, and remember, you're doing a fantastic job nourishing your little one. Every journey is unique, and finding what works best for your baby is a beautiful part of this special time. Enjoy this incredible phase of growth and discovery with your little one!