mothers, Is it dangerous or bad?

Question

to not actually feed your baby a lot but letting him taste things at 2 months old, I made beef stroganoff tonight and dipped my finger in the gravy sauce a few times and let my son taste it I would go mmm yum! and he kept getting a huge smile on his face and then a little giggle would come out. I thought this was sooo cute but is this harmful and if so why? (I understand dairy has to wait like yogurt or ice cream, ect.)

Answer 1

A generation ago, we were all eating food off of our moms' plates very early. And, mostly, no harm came to any of us, just like no harm came to those of us who survived being put to sleep on our stomachs every night of our infancy. I think the first potential problem is that an infant's system can't handle some adult food, like dairy as you mentioned. The second problem would be the potential for an allergic reaction, which doctors say may be more severe in a young child. However, I think many folks these days are a lot more panicked about food issues and infants than is necessary. Think of what you're doing, weigh in your mind the things you've heard, and use your own judgement. I'm sure a taste of gravy won't do any damage to your little one, and it is so nice to make them smile at that age, isn't it? Enjoy him while he is so tiny!

Answer 2

Probably not too bad -- though if it is processed (pre-packaged) the sodium might be a bit high.

Babies have a very weak swallow reflex, so make sure at first it's just like you are doing it (with a very clean finger).

Some people start kids on cereal right away, in a bottle, but it really depends on the child, everything takes time.... it's about being able to swallow correctly, and taking food in the mouth without spitting it out (the reason they spit it out is not spite, it's that their tongue doesn't work yet correctly -- a lot of work we aren't even concious of goes into swallowing....

Go for the giggles, with tastes, etc. but do so in moderation. Watch out for some of the foods mentioned by the APA for allergic potential (eggs, peanut, etc.).

Answer 3

I read alot of the other womens answers and it kind of makes me laugh. Your the mom and if you feel a taste here or there is okay, then go right ahead. My son had tastes like that, not from me personaly, but my mother did alot. He was fine. He actually had a better acceptance later to the new foods he got and he only has one allergy and that is to strawberries. I do agree that your doctor would be the best one to ask about this, but I dont think it will really hurt him. Just dont go overboard thats all. And as far as adult foods being soo bad for us, well we eat them so they cant be that bad right? I mean my mother was no betty crocker and I'm still kickin, and very healthy I might add!

Answer 4

You will sense baby`s mood yourself, At this age its usually a little early for introducing foods but tastes off the finger are fine. Be aware though of the possibility of any food related allergies. Baby Rice .... (packets of) can be tryed firstly to see if baby is ready for more .
Got a Mini-Blender? Get Crackin`!! "Take your Time, Little by Little" :).
Pureed plain boiled rice! such a bland taste!? Maybe?
This is a food so comfortably digested - if its properly cooked and cleaned well, to get rid of the starch - As time passes other food types can introduced in blended form - carrot,sweed,beetroot(avoid vinegared).....Or boil up some fruit, say pear,apple, make it to puree and feed alongside rice. Gradually, introduce a taste of your meals(of course pureed!). Prehaps best avoiding `windy` foods & food which are very high in certain fats/proteins. Finger foods are similar but this can be fun for the child - simple soft noodles are wicked for a 6 month old as they try to understand the stringy thingy and eat it too!
EnjoY!!
Peace*

Answer 5

I'm a sucker and I couldn't stand my baby tracking my fork to and from my mouth at lunchtime when I was alone with her all day on mat leave so I started giving my daughter tiny little tastes of sauces (that weren't common allergens) off my finger at about 3-4 months. Mostly Michelina noodles in a box which was about all that I had time to make for myself.

She seemed to enjoy the different tastes and that she was participating in meals. (She'd sit in her Bumbo across from me on the floor and we'd have a nice "lunch conversation" over a lap tray.) It led to having a good eater when we introduced a spoon and actual "portions" of things at 6 months. (At which point we started strictly following the 3-day allergy rules.)

This is my first baby. My cousin (that had a 1st baby 2 months earlier) gave me a hard time and said "Whoa... babies get all kinds of nasty allergies from doing that stuff..."

My daughter's 11-months now and we've never had a problem. Just be careful what you give... no common allergens... honey, strawberries, peanuts etc. (Especially if you're having Thai food, stirfries etc. that might contain peanuts, coconut etc. I caught myself more than once with those.)

More than one person (my Mom and Grandma included) reminded me that "baby food" is a relatively new invention. In many areas of the world babies just eat finely smooshed up grown up food all the time.

Good luck!

Answer 6

You should let your baby try one new food at a time- for example, one day give him sweet potato baby food and see how he reacts to it. If he develops a rash or has any other reaction, then you know he is allergic to sweet potatoes. But if you let him try more complex things with lots of ingredients like beef stroganoff, and he has an allergic reaction, it will be harder to pinpoint what he is allergic to. Also, many things that adults enjoy have too much sodium or preservatives, which is not healthy for babies.

Answer 7

I don't think it's a great idea. I mean, there was probably salt and fat and all sorts of stuff in there that their little 2 month old bodies can't handle (and beef stroganoff has dairy in it). There will be plenty of time for table food later. At 2 months they should stick to formula or breast milk.

Answer 8

Babies that young have not developed enough yet digestively. They need time to grow more. The best thing for them at that age is breast milk. You can begin to start them on rice cereal made with the milk. Do not push your child into tasting different foods. That will come in time. I am afraid you could cause food allergies by giving foods that have ingredients that a young tummy cannot handle. As your child ages, slowly introduce new foods to them. Your pediatrician or WIC nutritionist will guide you in what you should be feeding your child and at what age. Please check with them.

Answer 9

I think all parents have let their little ones taste something off our fingers.This doesn't make it right but we've all done it.At this age its very easy to have allergic reactions but a small amount of something on your finger every once in a blue moon isn't going to kill him(as long as its not honey)
Even dairy,i remember letting my daughter taste ice cream off my finger before she hit one.It really all depends on the child,and the younger the child,the more apt he is to having an allergic reaction but as i said,a small minute amount on your finger once in a great while shouldn't do any harm.Ask your pediatrician next time you visit but I'd say its OK in small doses.

Answer 10

Your a great mother, and a taste of stroganoff won't hurt him. This is one of those topics your gonna get differant opinions on, but keep in mind, moderation is a key in life. You can let him taste most anything, it's what you are feeding him that counts. If it gives him a belly ache, you know. Thats how you do it is trial and error!