First Time Parents Guide to Catering to Baby’s Likes in Food

Knowing the kinds of foods babies like is helpful in keeping meals pleasant and in building good food acceptances. Infants instinctively accept foods that are sweet, slightly sour and slightly salty. They reject bitter foods and those strongly sour and strongly salty. The basic tastes, in combination with odors, contribute to the overall characteristic flavors of different foods. Most baby foods have flavors infants naturally like or readily learn to like.

The texture and consistencies that infants like vary with age. Newborn babies want liquids only. Within a few weeks, the "feel" if starting cereals, strained meats, vegetables and fruit becomes acceptable. Junior (minced) foods and teething biscuits are favored after the appearance of a few teeth. You can use each progressive stage to add to the total variety of foods known and accepted by your baby.

When served "warm," baby foods should be just above body temperature. More leeway is possible when serving foods "cold." Recent studies have even shown good acceptance of cold formula! Though not necessary, it is still customary to serve formulas, meats, vegetables, egg yolks, dinners and high meat dinners warm. Precooked cereals usually are mixed with warm milk. Fruit juices, fruits, cottage cheese and desserts are more appropriately served without heating. 

SET A GOOD EXAMPLE. Even in the first year, babies react to examples set by parents and older children. They are accomplished mimics at only a few months. Any attitude expressed toward food should be a pleasant one. NEVER indicate or discuss a food dislike in front of a baby.