(Video uploaded 03/2018)

Transcript

Title：Getting started - How to introduce new food

How to introduce new food

Sub-heading: How to introduce new food

Hostess: Babies take time to accept new food and to learn new ways of feeding. It is normal that some babies may spit the food out or cry when they are not used to the food. Some accept new food readily while others need to try more than 10 times before eating more. We should be patient and allow them to adapt at their own pace. If they refuse a new food, don't force them. Try again several days later.

Narrator: When trying new food, your baby may show, some strange facial expressions, for example, frowning or looking puzzled. This does not mean that he dislikes the food. As long as he opens his mouth and accepts the food, keep trying.

Sub-heading: How to encourage babies to accept new food

Scene: The baby is sitting on his highchair at the dining table and is eating with his grandmother, his father and his mother. The mother is holding the baby's bowl filled with baby's food showing it to her baby.

Mother: Let's have our meal. See what is this.

Scene: The mother tastes the foods on the bowl and talked to her baby.

Mother: Yummy!

Narrator: Parents can eat with their babies in a relaxed atmosphere. Before feeding, let him see you eating his new food to arouse his interest in trying it. If he wants to touch the food, let him do so. This allows your baby to learn about food. If your baby doesn't want to eat don't force him. Be patient. Try again a few days later.

Hostess: Some parents may not know how to introduce new food to babies. In general, there are a few rules for you to follow.

Sub-heading: How should new food be introduced

Narrator: Give your baby new food one at a time. To start, offer 1 teaspoonful and then gradually increase the amount. When your baby eats new food, you should observe whether he shows any of the following food allergy symptoms. Hives or urticaria, swollen eyes, swollen mouth, watery stool, vomiting, wheezing, etc. If your baby develops any of these reactions, stop feeding the food you suspect immediately, and consult your family doctor for a detailed check up. Keep trying the food for 3-4 days. If your baby does not have any reactions, you can give him another new food.

Hostess: After watching this programme, you should now know when to start and how to feed your baby solid food. Transition to a solid food diet is an important stage for your baby to build healthy eating habits. I am sure you will not take it lightly. If you have any queries about feeding your child, please seek advice from the Maternal and Child Health Centres.