Feeding baby seems such hard work with allergies, likes and dislikes and a relaxed atmosphere to consider. Keep in mind the most important rules: Relax and keep it simple! After all, we have been able to raise and feed our offspring for thousands of years, even without the hygienic measures we have today.

If your baby likes baby rice, you can start adding cooked or steamed mashed vegetables and fruits. Vegetables and fruits are perfect for baby’s first food because they are nutritious and easy to digest. It is wiser to start with vegetables first as the sweeter taste of fruit could cause baby to dislike the taste of vegetables.

You can mix baby rice with one pureed vegetable at a time and see if your baby likes it or shows any reaction to it. If you and your baby have become more confident with baby’s first food you can start mixing two vegetables, such as potato and carrot. You can slowly decrease the amount of baby rice so that eventually your baby will eat vegetables or fruit only.

The consistency of the puree should be smooth, easy to swallow and with no lumps, so add enough liquid.

Be aware that the introduction of solid food also comes with an unwelcome side effect. Your baby’s stool will change slightly and become smelly which will be a shock to those mums who breastfed their babies! If baby’s stool seems a bit too firm, reduce the amount of bananas and apples as they can sometimes be constipating.