Feeding your baby is one of the most joyful aspects of being a new parent, but there are some safety tips to keep in mind, particularly if your baby has just begun complementary feeding.

Watch over your baby while they eat. Spitting up is part of how babies learn to eat, and they generally have good gag reflexes. However, they are also highly vulnerable to choking, so it’s important to keep an eye on them while they eat. Giving them your undivided attention and eating with them will help improve their bonding and social skills, too.

Feed them with safe tools. Your baby’s food safety is partly shaped by the equipment you use. Use bottles with a vent system that reduces air intake and prevents colic. Glass bottles are a safety hazard. Start them on solid foods with a soft, rounded spoon and a non-breakable bowl.

Mash or puree when you start introducing foods. Food consistency can be closer to what you enjoy when your baby is a year old, but at six months, they should be served mashed or pureed foods. The softer consistency makes new food less challenging to consume and also prevents choking.

Get the temperature right. A baby’s food shouldn’t be too hot, so taste test it or dab it on your skin before giving it to them.

Avoid choking hazards. Infants are at high risk of choking, so it’s important to avoid certain foods that pose a choking hazard, such as nuts, seeds, popcorn, grapes, and hot dogs. Also, cut food into small pieces and avoid giving whole pieces of food.

Be allergy-aware. Introduce potentially allergenic foods to your baby slowly and in small amounts. Babies with food allergies may break out in a rash, have trouble breathing, or even lose consciousness when they’ve eaten a trigger.

Don’t force food on your baby. It’s important to remember that every baby is different and may have different appetites. Don’t force your baby to eat if they’re not interested, and never force them to finish their meal. Respect their appetite and let them eat at their own pace.

Clean where your baby eats and keep it calm. Babies have weaker immune systems than adults, so it’s important to keep their feeding area clean and free of germs. Wash your hands and your baby’s feeding equipment with warm, soapy water before each use. Also, avoid feeding your baby in areas with excessive noise or distractions. It is advisable to not have a screen or phone on while your child is eating.

Store food properly. It’s important to store your baby’s food properly to avoid bacterial growth. Store prepared food in the refrigerator or freezer and use it within the recommended time frame. Also, discard any leftover food that your baby doesn’t finish.

What are some feeding safety tips for weaning my baby?

From Unii’s Baby Nutrition Journey, we offer safety tips for feeding your child.