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Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
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Sun, 15 Oct 2000 09:59:12 EDT
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Hi,

I think there are a couple of folks who do infant taste and smell research
that participate on the list.  I did this work in a very brief post doc
fellowship back in 1986.

Infants have an innate sweet preference at birth.  Salt preference develops
from about 6-9 months of age.

I have seen a variety of "schedules" for adding on solids.  From alternating
a sweet (fruit) with a savory food (veggies) to only veggies first.  I am not
convinced that either really makes much of a difference in later eating
habits.  Children model a lot of what they do based upon what they see their
parents and other children eat.  If a baby is reaching for the food on mama's
or papa's plate, I say mash a bit and go for it.  I think the infant food
industry has a lot to do with all this "science" of adding solids.  Expensive
stuff (and pretty flavor free if you ask me) in very tiny containers.  I
think families do a lot better with making their own.

I usually encourage my parents to start with rice cereal-something that most
kids will not have an allergic reaction to.  Besides it has a tad bit of
iron.  "Cheerios" (as in the General Mills cereals) melt nicely in the mouth
and are fun for older babies to grab and eat.  I think of bananas as a great
baby food in a natural wrapper.  All you have to do is scrap the banana with
the spoon and you have ready made mashed baby food.

My understanding is that solids are not a primary source of calories in the
6-12 month age period.  Breast milk or other milks are the primary source of
calories and other nutrition.  Introducing solids is also about introducing
textures, new experiences.  Hence all the fun parents have with children
flinging food, mashing food playing with their food.

I look at spoons in the same way.  Spoons are also great toys and
developmental experiences not just a way to get the stuff down the mouth.  I
encourage parents to let their children play with spoons and bowls long
before they expect the baby to actually feed themselves.

Just my thoughts,

Pierrette Mimi Poinsett MD FAAP
Modesto CA

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