NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, May 15 (PIA) -- The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) - DOST recognizes the crucial first foods introduced to a baby that can lead to a healthy growing and lifestyle.

Food should be given one at a time and appropriate to the baby’s age. Don’t start new foods at the same time allowing three days before trying out a new one.

The three days will allow time to observe allergic reactions to a new food. Give new foods at breakfast or lunch to avoid development of reactions in the night.

Start with a small amount of food, then gradually increase it. Use thin liquid purees then gradually shift to more solid and chunkier meals.

Ensure that the baby can cope comfortably with the new texture.

Offer bland food only and don't add salt until age one year as baby's kidneys cannot cope with salt. 

Even after the age of one, add only a little amount of salt and little or no sugar. Too much sugar leads to tooth decay and makes the child develop a sweet tooth.

Don’t force the baby to eat maybe the baby is not hungry. Don't worry about this, he will make up for it the next time.

Always test the temperature of the baby before giving the food and practice good personal hygiene when preparing baby’s food by washing of hands with soap and clean water before handling baby’s food.

Also, sterilize utensils used for feeding. Give only freshly cooked foods and freshly peeled fruits and not leftover food. (Lljr/PIA-Negros Occidental)