Your baby is the center of your life; you and your spouse are devoted to raising and providing for your new son or daughter. Once your baby reaches four to six months of age, some solid foods may be introduced in his or her diet. Recommended foods include the following:

a) cereals and grains: rice, oat, barley
b) fruits: bananas, avocado, apples, pears
c) vegetables: sweet potatoes, green beans, acorn/butternut squash
f) protein and dairy: avoid at this age

You and your spouse are worried, however, because you suspect that your baby may be a picky eater. You are concerned that you baby might not be getting enough nutrients every day. Follow these tips to help your baby develop healthy eating habits.

Tip One: Remember that you toddler might be displaying signs of picky eating as a means of gaining control and independence. Be patient with your child.

Tip Two: Feed your baby a variety of healthy foods. Offer your baby a new food and allow him time to try it out on his own terms.

Tip Three: Keep in mind that it is your responsibility to offer your baby wholesome and healthy foods, but it is your baby's responsibility to decide whether or not to eat those foods.

Tip Four: Your baby will never starve herself so try to relax about how much foods she eats and keep offering healthy choices.

Tip Five: Your toddler's appetite will change on a regular basis. His likes and dislikes of foods will change often, too.

Tip Six: If your toddler is teething, she has very sore gums and may not wish to chew much food. She may lose her appetite for a few days, then the normal appetite returns.

Tip Seven: If your child is busy entertaining herself by exploring the rug or a new cloth book, she might be upset if you remove her from her "play" and sit her down in the high chair to eat.

Tip Eight: Remember that babies go through natural growth spurts. During a period of rapid growth, your baby will be very hungry. Babies who are not experiencing a growth spurt will typically be less hungry.

Tip Nine: Your baby's appetite will decrease as he ages and becomes less dependent on breast milk or formula for his nutrition. Less food is required at this stage to support healthy growth and development.

Tip Ten: Give your baby control of her eating. Consider if you are still spoon-feeding your baby that she might be at a stage where she would prefer to feed herself and control what foods she eat.