Nutritionist Angela Dowden on feeding your baby
Mums often mash or puree even the simplest meals for their toddlers, but this isn't a good idea as the longer you delay giving lumpy or finger foods, the more children will reject them. Most six-month-old babies can start to chew soft lumps, like rice pudding, even if they have no teeth. Chewing encourages the development of speech muscles, so putting it off can delay talking.
Angela Dowden, nutritionist
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jordanne, about 1 year
i agree with this as i always pre prepare my childrens food, i do this as i feel more comforted knowing what they are eating and that they will not choke! i also make rice pud from scratch they enjoy this after they have suckled on my breast! my oldest child is 6 now and is still enjoying my breast milk how can you help me divert him to cows milk? i have tried many things and it never works. Thankyou, please could you reply back with some helpful advice. X
Report this commentBethan, about 1 year
This was a very useful article, i didn't know that chewing could encourage children to talk sooner by encouraging speech muscles.
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deborah callan, about 1 year
i started my son on lumpy food at the age of 5 and a half months.he has been eating foods since he was 3 months as the milk wasnt feeding him enough.he started saying his first words when he was 6 months old and now at nearly 10 months he is already putting little words together.he says tata dada or tata mam etc,and waves when he says it.he also tries to get you to talk on the phone by handing it to me and saying nana as i always phone her and he associates the phone with her.he is already walking aswell which i find really quick for a little boy.he took his first steps just before he turned 9 months.my health visitor thinks he is too forward for his age and he shouldnt be doing this or shouldnt be doing that.i spend a lot of time with my son and encourage and praise him a lot and i think thats why he is doing a lot of stuff he obviously shouldnt be doing yet.am i right in helping him along with his development.i cant help it if my son is advanced for his age,and i am sure the health visitor wouldnt be pleased if he was behind in his development.he is a joy to watch and my 2 eldest children,13 and 9 love him to bits.
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