If you are the parent of a picky eater or have questions about what to feed a newborn the U of I Extension encourages you to check out one of their websites.

Caitlin Mellendorf, U of I Extension Nutrition Educator for DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties, indicates Feeding My Baby is a website launched a few years ago by a fellow Extension Nutrition Educator. The website offers recipes for homemade baby food as well as research on baby-led weaning.

Mellendorf says baby-led weaning is best started when your baby is ready to start eating solid food. She gives an example of how you might introduce food to your baby.

Six months is generally when babies are ready to transition from formula and breastmilk to solid food. Mellendorf notes every baby is different with some ready before or after six months. She says there are signs to be on the lookout for to know your baby is ready.

If you are worried about your baby or child not eating or are an extremely picky eater, Mellendorf recommends consulting a pediatric nutritionist or a feeding therapist.

The website blog, Feeding My Baby from Cradle to Table, can be accessed by going to feedingmybaby.extension.illinois.edu.