Baby’s First Foods: How to Introduce Solids by Rachel Hudson
Today we’re looking at baby’s first foods and how to know when and how to introduce solids, successfully!
What are Solids?
While most parents look forward to this stage, very few know where to start when introducing solid foods. But, don't you worry if you’re in that position, for you are in the best place to get the best guidance.
In straightforward terms, solids are any type of foods that the baby begins to take apart from the formula or breast milk. However, it is essential to know that specific foods qualify as solids, and you can't just feed your baby from your plate yet. Their stomach has to adapt, for you need to provide them with the right foods for safety and good health. So what does the menu have to offer?
Baby’s First Foods
While the milestone of transitioning from milk only to actual food might be satisfactory and exciting altogether, this move is limited to only particular types of foods. Learning about which solid foods to introduce first will put you in a better position to prepare your baby's tummy for more solid food. It is essential to consider the texture and amount of the foods as well because it won't make a difference if you feed your baby the right foods the wrong way!
The process of introducing solid food recipes requires great attention to get things right. Some of the foods that your baby can eat at that time include;
a) Properly cooked and pureed poultry, beans or meat, ground, and cooked infant or single-grain cereal, cooked and pureed vegetables, and mashed avocado or banana at 6 months.
b) Properly cooked and finely chopped or minced meat, beans or poultry, small-cut pieces of cooked veggies, and sliced or quartered bananas, including other soft fruits, at 9 months.
c) Soft and shredded poultry, fish or meat, small pieces of cooked veggies and easy to chew soft fruits, usual family dishes except for any hard foods, at 12 months.
When is the Right Time to Introduce Babies to Solid Foods?
The big concern that many parents have is knowing what age to introduce solid foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics, APP, advises that you breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby exclusively for six months straight before you think of bringing in solids. However, they also point out that introducing solid foods to a 4-month baby is possible provided the conditions for so doing are conducive.
How Do You Know It’s the Right Time?
Every child differs in growth development, and while you can introduce solids to a 4-month-old, to some, you'll wait beyond six months. To save you the hassle of constantly wondering if it’s the right time, here are some of the things to look out for to know that your child is ready to get more than just breast or bottle milk;
They can comfortably sit upright and further hold up their head
They are curiously looking around, especially while you guys are dining
They no longer have the tongue-thrust reflex so that they can swallow food
They want more after getting the usual share of milk.
How to Introduce Solid Foods
The are several tricks on how to introduce solid foods to a baby. It all depends on watching their cues and adapting accordingly. For instance, you should try to give them the taste to see their response. A tablespoon is enough for the first-ever time. Try not to be discouraged because most of the food will probably end up on the bib or floor.
Consider their drinking habits. If he/she drinks a lot, then you can begin with the food, then the milk will follow, and vice versa will also work. Avoid many salty or sugary foods because the baby might reject the milk if there’s a better offer. It is advised to breastfeed or bottle-feed a baby until he/she is 1-year-old so don't leave out that step altogether. If your baby doesn't like some veggies or herbs, consider tips on My Kitchen Advisor.
Feeding Babies Solids
After your little one seems to agree with the new idea, it’s time to begin introducing a solid food schedule. Have foods that you'll give them on particular days and at specific times. That will train their stomachs to get used to the food. Also, some foods shouldn't be fed to the baby before bed. Ensure that your baby is comfortable all through the transition.
What to Consider
There are some things that you should take note of while at it. Introducing solids to a baby is sensitive, and you should handle it with a lot of care. While feeding, consider;
1. Allergies – Avoid foods known to cause allergies because you don't want to hard your baby or discourage them from eating.
2. Amounts – Keep the amount at minimum levels and gradually increase as they get used to the solids.
3. Texture – Different ages demand different textures of foods, and that is critical.
4. Posture – The correct posture while eating will avoid any choking possibilities.
It's exciting times when your baby welcomes solids, it’s all about following baby’s cues and perseverance to ensure a smooth transition into this new realm. Once the baby adapts to the new foods and syncs in well to the schedules, you can increase the quantity and try varieties.
Is your baby turning 6months? Are you thinking of introducing them to solids? Have you just transitioned to solids? Leave a comment!
Rachel Hudson is a mother and a nutritionist. She had to do a lot of research and consultations when the time came to begin feeding her baby with solids. She now shares that information with all mothers. During her free time, Rachel enjoys watching action movies.