Originally published October 12 2005
Scientists reconsider the common sense of baby diets
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Dr. David Bergman, a Stanford University pediatrics professor, discusses the need for research in the area of child nutrition, as most conceptions of what is acceptable for a child's introduction to solid food are simply unproven.
Word of that has been slow to reach parents and the stacks of baby books they rely on to navigate this often intimidating period of their children's lives.
As research increasingly suggests a child's first experiences with food shape later eating habits, doctors say battling obesity and improving the American diet may mean debunking the myths and broadening babies' palates.
Most parents are told to start rice cereal at 6 months, then slowly progress to simple vegetables, mild fruits and finally pasta and meat.
Ethnic foods and spices are mostly ignored by the guidelines -- cinnamon and avocados are about as exotic as it gets -- and parents are warned of potential allergens such as nuts and seafood for at least a year.
Yet experts say children over 6 months can handle most anything, with a few caveats: Be cautious if you have a family history of allergies; introduce one food at a time and watch for any problems; and make sure the food isn't a choking hazard.
The difference is cultural, not scientific, says Dr. Jatinder Bhatia, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics' nutrition committee who says the American approach suffers from a Western bias that fails to reflect the nation's ethnic diversity.
After her son was born last year, she decided he should eat the same foods she does -- heavily seasoned Middle Eastern dishes like hummus and baba ghanoush.
Dr. David Ludwig of Children's Hospital Boston, a specialist in pediatric nutrition, says some studies suggest rice and other highly processed grain cereals actually could be among the worst foods for infants.
Parents should view this as a chance to encourage children to embrace healthy eating habits and introduce them to their culture and heritage.
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