When to start baby's evening meal?
When should we start the evening meal?
As is often the case with babies, there's no foolproof rule that works every time (or spoonful). When it comes to introducing solid foods, that is . It's like walking or talking: children progress at their own pace. Generally speaking, you can expect to start introducing evening meals to your baby around 8 months. The goal is to prepare a good, balanced dinner that meets the recommended daily intake.
"HE WHO SLEEPS DINES...": MYTH OR REALITY?
If your baby is hungry, you'll know! However, if your child falls asleep before even taking their first bite or isn't eating, there's no point in forcing them! At their age, dinner isn't essential. So if they want to snuggle up to you with a bottle, or simply fall asleep in your arms, let them and remember that everyone has good days and bad days!
What should I eat for dinner?
WHAT IS THE IDEAL EVENING MENU FOR AN 8-MONTH-OLD BABY?
Between 6 and 12 months, there's no question of giving up milk: it remains the cornerstone of your baby's diet. However, you can now mix and match milk, cereals, vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and eggs. For dinner, it's like eating out; there are always several options: you can opt for a breastfeed or bottle followed by a small vegetable purée with cereal or starches (it works the other way around too), or go all out with a bottle, adding some Good Goût organic infant cereal . If your child is still hungry after that, offer some organic fruit compote. Plus, since our pouches are resealable, it will prevent waste: if your baby gets full before finishing, simply screw the cap back on and put the mango pouch back in the fridge.
ARE THERE ANY RECIPES SPECIFICALLY FOR THE EVENING?
Yes! At Good Goût, for example, we've developed a Nighttime Cereal recipe, ideal for the evening routine. Its secret? A blend of organic cereals specially designed for little ones and beneficial herbs (Roman chamomile and silver linden). Prepared as a porridge or added to a bottle, our Nighttime Cereal has been tested and approved by Morpheus!
ARE THERE ANY FOODS TO AVOID IN THE EVENING?
While there are no absolute prohibitions, there are indeed some foods that are best avoided, such as meat and eggs. In fact, babies are just like adults: if they eat too much in the evening or have trouble digesting, they don't necessarily sleep well (a bit like us, when we regret having three helpings of tartiflette around 2 a.m., skipping the salad).
DAIRY PRODUCTS IN THE EVENING: GOOD OR BAD IDEA?
Until your baby turns one, formula or breast milk will remain on the menu every evening. Dairy products for babies, such as soft drinks, can be introduced after your child is 12 months old.
