Baby Feeding Problems and Solutions
It's common to encounter a bit of resistance and a few issues when you introduce solids to your little one’s diet.
Problem: Gagging
Solution: It is normal for your baby to have a gag reflex - this is a natural way of protecting themselves from choking. If you find your little one gags when you first start introducing solids, keep trying – eating solid foods is a new skill your baby needs to learn. Sometimes babies will gag if the food has different textures in one spoonful, like yoghurt with bits of fruit. It’s important to start with a thin consistency and increase the thickness gradually. Wait until they’re comfortable with the smooth Purity Stage 1 purees, suited to their age and stage of eating, before introducing the more textured next stage accordingly. If gagging and resistance become problematic, speak to your doctor. Babies may also be experiencing problems with sensory integration, in which case a speech therapist or occupational therapist trained in sensory integration may be helpful.
Problem: Overfeeding/overeating
Solution: It is a natural instinct for a mom to be concerned their little ones aren’t eating enough, but babies are quite good at letting you know when they are full or have had enough. They will either clamp their mouth shut or turn their head away. The best thing you can do is offer the right balance of healthy foods, look out for and recognise these cues to say they’re full, and avoid encouraging your baby to finish everything in their bowl
Problem: Food allergies
Solution: Food allergies are not that common in babies. If they do occur, they can manifest themselves in your baby’s skin. Your baby is more at risk of having an allergy if there is history of allergies, eczema or hay fever in the family. In this case, speak to your health care professional about what strategy you should use to introduce solids to your baby. Some allergies are outgrown in later years, but some might continue into adulthood. The general advice is to start solids with the well-known major non-allergens such as Purity Gluten-free Rice Cereal and vegetables, like butternut, and one introduce a food at a time to see what the response is. Purity Stage 1 jars are single variant flavours developed for just this reason. If there is no bad reaction after 3 days of trying, it is most probably safe. Once you’re confident no allergies have been revealed, move slowly into common allergens such as soy, milk and wheat.
Problem: Resistance from baby
Solution: It is perfectly normal for little ones to refuse the first few spoons of solid foods you offer them. You may need to offer it several times before your little one will accept it. Mix the food with the milk you’re currently feeding them to make a runny texture and increase the texture as they develop. If they’re a little older and they’re still showing resistance, it can be helpful to encourage your little one to self-feed by letting them hold a spoon or offer very soft finger foods. This will let your little one feel in control of the meal and be more interested.
Disclaimer: Breastfeeding is best for babies. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months. Purity fully supports this with continued breastfeeding, along with the introduction of complementary food as advised by healthcare professionals.
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