Is your little one 6 months or older? Have they started to taste the wide variety of flavors or are they getting ready to dive into the world of tastes? Introducing your baby to solid foods will be exciting for your baby and yourself. You get to know more about your baby’s tastes and interests while your baby explores many new things.
However, this is also a phase that requires much attention. It is important to notice all the changes in your baby. However, every parent will encounter various doubts and concerns, whether regarding the foods, the way of feeding, and a lot more.
If you are new to parenting your concerns will be double. This article will answer many of your doubts. It will provide tips while introducing solids to your baby and remind you of the important things to keep in mind while feeding your baby solid foods.
When To Introduce Baby To Solid Foods?
Pediatricians and other medical professionals recommend introducing solid foods to babies after 6 months of age. However, feeding solid foods before 4 months is strictly prohibited. As every child is different, there might be changes in their growth and development. So, how do you understand if your baby is ready to start taking solids? The medical professionals and NHS suggest that babies give clear signs to show they are ready for solid foods. Some of them are:
- Sits up alone with or without support
- They have control over their head and neck
- Coordinate their eyes, hands, and mouth to pick up foods
- Show interest when the food is offered
- More than spitting, they swallow the foods
- Brings objects to their mouth
Tips for introducing solids to your baby
Introducing your baby to solid food may be a confusing yet exciting milestone. It is important to analyze your baby’s interests and disinterests while starting solid foods. Initially, the babies will only need small amounts of food.
So, begin with single-ingredient food in small quantities such as cereals, pureed fruits, and cooked vegetables. Gradually, introduce them to a variety of foods and analyze their reactions towards each food. This will help to identify whether your baby is allergic to certain food items.
Noticing the responsiveness of your child is very important while starting solid foods. Your child is new to eating solid foods, so initially they may deny it. However, encourage them with praise and self-feeding. Let them touch and enjoy the food with their fingers. You may also give them extra spoons while feeding them.
However, always note their responses. Do not force them if they show disinterest or spit out the food. Be patient and feed the babies when they are hungry. In addition, do not stop breast or formula milk immediately after giving solid foods. Continue giving breast or formula milk alongside the solids, at least for a year. Remember, each baby is unique and different. So let your baby guide you, rather than you forcing new things on them.
What food to give baby while transitioning to solids?
It is good to keep the transition from breastfeeding to solid foods simple. Introduce your baby to solids with single foods. You may include well-cooked vegetables, smashed fruits, and infant baby cereals. Studies suggest that there are no specific foods that can be used to start soli feeding. The thing is to include nutritious foods and avoid high sugar and salty foods as they may affect the kidneys and nutrition of your baby.
So, in general, you can introduce healthy foods with vegetables and fruits to your baby. However, remember to cook and mash these foods, making them easy for the child to swallow. Additionally, you may also try different foods in small quantities so that you can analyze whether your child is allergic to any foods. But, it is ideal to give the same foods for 3-5 days before giving any new food items.
Preparing solid food for baby
The risks of choking are higher in babies as they begin with solid foods. So, feeding them with the right textured food is very important. The foods that will get swallowed with the saliva without much chewing will be ideal for babies. Similarly, there are a few other points to remember while preparing solid foods for babies. They are:
- Mix breast milk, formula milk, or water with cooked mashed cereals and grains to make them smooth and easy to take
- Mash fruits and vegetables well, until there are no big pieces in them
- Hard vegetals and fruits should not be given raw to babies
- Cut and remove seeds from fruits like grapes, cherries, and berries
- Remove bones, skin, and fat from meat and fish before giving them to babies
- Remember to cut foods as thin and small pieces rather than in round pieces
Things to consider while transitioning baby to solids
As mentioned earlier, the transition to solid foods requires much attention and care. You should consider certain things in this phase as it is a major phase in your baby’s health and development. You should remember these things while transitioning your baby to solids:
- You need to go slow, depending on your baby’s pace.
- Do not force your baby to eat what you think is required of him or her
- Stop feeding your baby when they show signs of uninterest like spitting and turning heads
- Feed the baby when he or she shows symptoms of hunger
- Let your baby be messy and feed themselves
- Start giving your baby plenty of water in a zipper bottle along with food
- Encourage and congratulate your baby
- Do not give food in bottles
- Avoid giving large amounts of food in their hands
Conclusion
Starting solid foods is an important phase in the growth and development of your baby. So, it is an exciting phase that requires the utmost care and attention. Normally, you can begin feeding solid foods when your baby reaches 6 months. However, as each baby is different, there may be slight variations in every baby. However, feeding solid foods before 4 months is not good for your baby.
While beginning solid foods it is important to start slow by giving time for your baby to adjust to the new changes. Include one-ingredient foods that are well-cooked. Although there are no specific foods that should be given at first, you should include nutritious fruit, vegetables, and other foods. It is advised to avoid high-sugar, salt, and potassium foods.
Begin feeding solids in lower quantities and increase the amount with time. Observe all the changes and responses from your baby and identify if there are any chances of allergic reactions. The most important thing is to follow your baby’s pace and taste. Avoid forcing them and let them enjoy the journey.
FAQs
There can be several reasons behind a baby refusing solid foods. Depending on these reasons you may offer different foods, reduce the quantity of the foods, or consult a healthcare professional.
Encourage self-feeding by giving small pieces of tender meat, cooked vegetables, and other soft food items. You may also encourage your baby to eat solid foods of their own by giving a small spoon to your baby even while you feed them.
Give well-cooked, soft foods that can be easily swallowed. You may also mix breast milk or formula milk with solid foods to make it more enjoyable and convenient for the baby.
Introducing solid food to your baby will improve their learning and they will experience new textures and tastes. You may also notice certain physical changes in your baby after he or she starts eating solid foods.
Juices are not generally recommended for babies. As it is high in sugar and low in nutritional value it is ideal to avoid juices for babies under 12 months.
If a baby refuses to eat textured solids after one year or if he or she is unable to feed themselves with finger foods by 12 to 15 months, it is a matter of concern.
