As a baby grows and matures, the gradual transition will occur from a strictly milk diet to solid baby foods. The term solid foods is given to any baby food that is not milk. At the introduction of solid foods into an infant’s diet, all of these foods will be pureed. The transition should occur after four to six months, with most experts agreeing that closer to six months is better for the baby’s health. During this period breast milk should still be administered as a complement to the other foods. Baby organic food may be used if the parent feels it will serve a benefit, and organic baby food formula may provide an option with less additives. In addition, organic baby food formula is certified to be pesticide-free.

To avoid specific complications such as infant constipation, care should be taken in selecting the proper baby food recipes for a baby’s diet. A common first food is fortified rice cereal. The rice is easy for babies to digest and usually has little side effects. Another frequently used early solid food is homemade grain cereals. However, these should only be given to a baby that has reached six months of age as certain enzymes are needed to digest these foods. In addition, there are many fruits and vegetables that help promote a healthy baby and lower risk of constipation. Mashed bananas are an excellent source of vitamins. Other recommended fruits and vegetables are avocados, mashed sweet potatoes, and carrots. Yet another good transition food is yogurt. Because of its similar taste to milk, many babies accept it quite readily. Whole milk yogurt of the plain variety should be used as infants need the additional fats. Many good baby food recipes can be found online.

If constipation has already been developed in an infant, some dietary and physical measure may be taken to treat it. The solid foods being eaten should be modified to include a higher fiber content. Such foods that may help speed recovery are prunes, pears, apricots, peaches, plums, and peas. Foods to be avoided in babies with constipation are carrots, bananas, cereals, pasta, breads, white potatoes, and applesauce. However, the most important thing that can be done is to increase the water and fluid intakes. As dehydration is a common source of constipation and firmer stools, the method can be very effective in reducing constipation. In addition, sugar in the form of corn syrup or brown sugar granules can be added to an infant’s diet to alleviate symptoms of constipation. Care should be taken as this method can result in the child developing a “sweet tooth” and refusing to eat healthier foods that have no added sugar. All baby foods, including baby organic food, should be examined before using so a parent is familiar with the vitamin and sugar levels present in the food.