5 common mistakes parents make when starting solids

1. Giving only the broth, not the solids
The main mistake is feeding baby only bone or vegetable broth (just the liquid, not the solid food) for fear of choking. Parents avoid giving protein-rich foods such as meat, fish and eggs directly for fear of bloating, and avoid seafood for fear it will cause coughing and diarrhoea. Parents also often miss out on valuable plant proteins such as beans and pulses, peanuts and sesame seeds...

2. Using too little oil and fat in baby's meals
Many parents believe oil and fat cause indigestion and diarrhoea. But oil and fat are very rich in energy and help dissolve fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K, making them easier for the body to absorb and supporting brain development. Adding no fat, or very little, to your baby's porridge or cereal may mean they don't get enough energy to grow.

3. Not giving baby green vegetables
Mums often use only the water vegetables were boiled in to cook baby's porridge, and tend to stick to the same few root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and pumpkin, which makes meals boring for baby. Meanwhile, dark green vegetables provide valuable vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, iron... Combine a variety of vegetables so your baby's meals are colourful and appealing.
4. Giving pureed food for too long
Many parents think pureeing food helps baby eat faster and digest better. In reality, baby doesn't get to chew and just learns to swallow, so they can't fully taste the food and soon get bored of meals. Most importantly, baby will have fewer chances to practise the chewing reflex. This gets in the way of their feeding and can easily lead to poor appetite and picky eating, so your baby may not develop as fully as other children of the same age.

5. Giving too much food in one meal
Parents often tend to feed their child too much, creating a tense, pressured atmosphere at mealtimes. This can lead to baby becoming fearful and avoiding mealtimes. Feed your baby according to their needs, splitting food into several small meals a day so they are neither overfull nor too hungry. Most important of all, keep mealtimes relaxed and cheerful so your child becomes excited about and enjoys eating

Sources:

• Nutrition, Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, Phạm Ngọc Thạch University of Medicine

• Community Nutrition, Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, Phạm Ngọc Thạch University of Medicine

• Recommended Dietary Allowances for Vietnamese People, Ministry of Health, 2016