Part 15: Baby From Six to Twelve Months

A. Diet

  Usually between the ages of 5 to 6 months when baby is able to sit up in a high chair and willingly opens his mouth to a spoon placed before him/her, he/she is ready for introduction of solid foods.  Begin with 2 teaspoons of iron - fortified infant cereal (usually rice) by diluting with infant formula or breast milk and gradually increase the amount used.  After introducing cereal, other single - item strained foods (no sugar, starch or salt) should be added one at a time.  The interval between new foods should be 5 days  Single ingredient vegetables and fruits can be introduced alternately if desired.. Dinners, desserts and combinations should be avoided due to added sugar, starch, salt, etc.

  If baby is eating cereal and several vegetables and fruit by 7 or 8 months of age, single - item strained meats may be introduced once every 5 days.  After the eighth month, egg yolk (no egg white), mashed potatoes and zweiback or dry toast may be introduced also.  Generally about this time baby enjoys soft finger foods from the table such as fruits and cooked vegetables.  No salt, sugar or seasoning should be added to these.  By 8 to 9 months, unsweetened fruit juices diluted with one - half water may be offered from a cup.  Juices should not be given from a bottle.  It is best for baby to be fed breast milk or infant formula until one year of age.  About that time whole cow's milk may be offered in a cup.  (Never use skim milk and use 2% only after consulting the physician or dietetian).  Introducing cow's milk before the age of 12 months is not recommended due to immaturity of the infant's gastrointestinal tract.  Diarrhea and other allergic reactions are commonly a result of this practice.

  Supplements - When breast milk, infant formula and a variety of solid foods are being consumed, the only supplement necessary is fluoride, if not available through the water supply.

  Other foods -  Baby has no need for sugar, salt or seasonings.  Regular use of sugary foods such as candy, cookies, cakes, syrups, jellies,honey, sweetened fruit drinks or fruit "aid", soda pop, tec., can be destructive to newly forming teeth.  Likewise, fried foods, spicy foods, nuts, chips, fench fries, tea or coffee and popcorn should not be given to baby.

B. Dental Habit

  Try to remove fingers from baby's mouth after they fall asleep.  However, don't over do it.   Continue to use a proper nipple one the bottle and teething appliance.

C. Dental Arch Development

  Make sure baby does not habitually sleep on fist or other firm objects under their face.  Baby should be examined by the dentist when the first tooth appears.  Growth and development of the mouth will be assesed, home care instructions given and any questions answered.  This eruption chart will be helpful to monitor baby's progress.

D. Traumatic Injuries

  If any traumatic injuries occurs to the face or teeth take the child to the dentist ASAP.

E. Fluoride

  Make sure the child has the proper amount of fluoride either through the water or supplements.

F. Oral Hygiene

  Teeth should be cleaned by wiping with gauze, wash cloth wrapped around a finger or with a proper sized soft nylon bristled toothbush.

Next time:  Baby From 12 to 30 Months