They grow up so fast, don't they? Your baby might have teeth by now. From about 8 months, you can keep adding new foods with more complex tastes and textures to your baby's diet. Your baby might want more "grown–up" foods; however, be sure to offer a balanced diet by introducing Beech-Nut®* Stage 3® foods.
Beech-Nut offers a variety of flavors to introduce your baby to new taste combinations with ingredients that have increased natural texture. And with 6 oz of food per jar, Beech-Nut Stage 3 foods are just the right size for your growing baby. Here are some basics to help you and your baby make this transition:
Is Your Baby Ready for Complex Tastes?
The answer is yes when your baby is about 8 months old and:
- Can pull up from a sitting to a standing position
- Can walk by holding on to furniture
- Wants to eat with her fingers
- Mashes food well with her gums or teeth
- Enjoys a variety of tastes and textures
Blending Mealtime and Playtime
Mealtime is no longer just for eating. It's also a chance for social interaction. Relax and enjoy your baby's food exploration.
Your baby probably is trying to feed himself with a spoon now, often without much success. You can help your baby learn by letting him hold on to the spoon while feeding.
You also can start introducing foods with new textures, such as oatmeal, noodles, and peas. Your baby also will like chewing on hard but dissolvable foods while teething.
Choking Hazards
Your baby can potentially choke on any object that is more than a half–inch in diameter. Never give your baby popcorn, hot dogs, whole grapes, or fruit with seeds, such as cherries. And of course, never give your baby any nuts or seeds.
Have You Noticed a Yellow Tinge to Your Baby's Skin?
This could be a harmless condition known as carotenemia, but check with your health care professional. Babies can turn yellow with as little as 2 tablespoons of pureed carrots every day for five to seven weeks. The color will subside if you stop feeding carotene–rich foods, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and peaches, for a couple of days.