Starting Solids

Starting foods with your baby is a fun and exciting time! This milestone marks a new chapter in their development and can be a fun adventure for both you and your little one. As you embark on this journey, its important to approach it with care and knowledge to ensure a smooth transition for your baby.

When is the Right Time to Start?

Babies typically start showing signs of readiness for solid foods around 6 months of age. These signs include:

• Being able to sit up with support
• Showing interest in food by watching others eat
• Being able to hold their head steadily
• Losing the tongue-thrust reflex (pushing food out of the mouth with the tongue)
• Draws in lower lip when spoon is removed from their mouth

It’s important to wait until your baby shows these signs before introducing solids, as starting too early can lead to choking, digestive issues, and may not provide the necessary nutrients for your baby’s growth.

How to Offer Baby Foods

When it comes to introducing solid foods, there are different methods you can try. Some caregivers prefer starting with pureed baby foods, while others choose baby-led weaning. Regardless of the approach you take, always be sure that your baby is in a safe environment.

• Proper Seating: Make sure your baby is sitting up in a comfortable and secure position. Ideally, they should be seated with a 90-degree angle at their ankles, knees, and hips.
• Temperature Check: Ensure the food is not too hot to avoid burning your baby's mouth.
• Avoid Certain Foods: Do not give honey (until 1 year), cow’s milk (until 1 year), or foods that pose a choking hazard like whole grapes or nuts.
• No Extras: Babies don’t need salt, grease, fat, or sugar added to their foods. Their taste preferences are different from yours! (but don’t be afraid of seasonings and spices like cinnamon, turmeric, or oregano!)

What to Expect

Start by including your baby in family meals. There's no strict rule about how often or how much they should eat. If starting with just dinner works for you, that's great! If having them join all three meals a day fits your schedule, that's wonderful too. Do what works best for your family, and gradually offer more types of food and more meals as your baby gets closer to one year old.

Your baby may only eat a tiny amount at first, at that’s okay! Let them explore the taste and texture at their own pace. Gradually increase the amount and variety of foods as your baby gets more comfortable with eating.

Breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition for your baby during the first year. Solid foods are meant to complement, not replace, breast milk or formula.

Mealtime is a great opportunity to bond with your baby and introduce them to new flavors and textures. Make mealtimes enjoyable by talking to your baby, making funny faces, and encouraging them to explore the different foods with their hands – expect a messy baby!

Allergy Awareness

Be sure to only introduce one new food at a time. This can help you identify any potential food allergies or sensitivities. Signs of a food allergy can include rash, diarrhea, or vomiting. If you suspect your baby has a food allergy, consult your baby’s doctor. If your baby doesn’t show any signs of an allergy, you can continue with that same food while introducing other new foods!

When offering pureed baby foods…

• Start with a soft-tipped spoon (silicone or plastic instead of metal).
• Either homemade or purchased pureed baby foods can be used.
• When opening jarred baby food, listen for the pop. This tells you it is safe to eat. Do not feed to your baby if you don’t hear the lid pop.
• Do not feed straight from the jar.  Always put the food into another dish and feed with a spoon. Throw away any left-over food in the dish—do not put it back in the jar.  Spit mixed with the food will make the food spoil.
• Store left-over clean jar food in the refrigerator. Use within 2 days.

When offering whole foods with baby-led weaning…

• Offer foods the size and shape of an adult finger or has a built-in handle.
  • Sticks and wedges work well!
• Foods that you can smash between your finger and thumb.
  • If you cannot smash it with your fingers, baby cannot smash it in their mouth.
• Read more here!

Signs Your Baby is Full or Not Ready

Your baby will give you cues to let you know if they are full or not ready for solid foods. Look for signs such as turning their head away, closing their mouth, or becoming fussy. It’s important to respect these cues and not force your baby to eat.

Conclusion

Starting solids is an exciting milestone in your baby’s development. By waiting until your baby is ready, choosing the right foods, and feeding them with love and patience, you can help ensure a positive and healthy start to their lifelong relationship with food.