How to prepare for your baby’s first meal
PREPARING FOR BABY’S FIRST MEAL
Babies learn best by mirroring, so bring your baby to the dinner table a few months before beginning solids. Have your baby join you at mealtime. Place your baby in a bouncy seat or a swing nearby. Have a good view of the mealtime action.
Test your feeding chair. Right before that first meal, strap your baby in and check that they are sitting upright and, if possible, their feet are supported.
Your attitude matters! Make sure you’re ready to approach new foods for your baby with an open mind, realistic expectations, and willingness to enjoy the process without worrying about results.
Communicate with your child’s healthcare provider. Explain your plans for introducing solids, and mention any concerns (eczema, family allergies, nutrition, safety, etc.).
Communicate with anyone who might feed your baby. For safety reasons, caregivers should be free of distraction while offering solid foods.
In addition, babies need to be monitored constantly while eating.
