Everything you need to know about introducing solids
Knowing when to introduce solids is a significant milestone in your baby's development. Following World Health Organization guidelines since 2003, it's generally recommended to start solids around 6 months of age window. Starting before the age of 6 months may overwhelm babies who aren't developmentally or digestively prepared, while delaying too long may lead to food rejection or potentially increased allergy risks.
How do I know my baby is ready for solids:
Most babies show signs of readiness around 6 month old, such as:
Being able to sit up with some support
Successfully bringing their hand to their mouth
Demonstrating the ability to swallow food
Beginning to mimic chewing motions or gnawing on toys
Every baby is unique, and their approach to food varies. Some may eagerly embrace new flavours and textures, swiftly adapting to family meals, while others may approach eating with caution, progressing at their own pace. Much of this is influenced by their individual personality, as well as how food is presented and potential sensory sensitivities.
Do solids replace my baby’s formula feeding or breastmilk intake?
During the first year, introducing solids is intended to complement breastmilk rather than replace it. It's about adding textures to your baby's diet, providing new experiences, and supporting the development of hand-eye coordination through finger feeding.
What are the best foods to start with?
In the journey of introducing solids to babies, there's a tip: offer savoury foods before sweet ones. It turns out, babies tend to lean towards sweeter tastes naturally. By flipping the order and introducing savoury delights first, we may be laying the foundation for a more adventurous palate down the road.
Foods to be cautious about:
Salt
Added sugar
Honey
Processed foods
Ready meals
Dieting foods meant for adults
Artificial colours and sweeteners
High-fibre foods
Low-fat foods
Checklist for Baby’s First Foods:
Keep track of the foods your baby has tried, their preferences, dislikes, and any allergenic foods introduced.
How much should I give my 6-month-old?
Start with 2 tablespoons of a pureed or soft food made from a single ingredient.
Gradually increase the portion size as your little one gets older, for example 7-8 months 4 tablespoons, 9-12 months up to 8 tablespoons.
As your little one becomes more comfortable with solid foods, you can introduce meals more frequently and offer a greater variety of foods.
Once your baby is consuming two meals with two different foods each, aim for a balanced diet including proteins, vegetables, fruits, and grains daily.
When in the day should I introduce solids?
To ease your baby into solid foods, start by introducing one new food each day, focusing on steamed, soft vegetables. Mornings or midday are usually the best times for this, as babies are typically more alert and receptive. Avoid introducing new foods towards the end of the day when your little one might be tired and cranky. Additionally, introducing solids during the day allows you to monitor any potential tummy discomfort more easily. As you observe your baby's response and interest, gradually incorporate additional opportunities for solids throughout the day.
A 6-month-old typically feeds every 2.5-3.5 hours, you can introduce solids in between milk feeds, ideally an hour after their milk feed.
When offering solid make sure:
Your baby is alert, in a good mood, and not about to nap.
Choose a time when you, as the adult, have the patience and time to devote to the feeding process.
Avoid feeding solids when you're rushed or have to run errands.
Minimise distractions during feeding times.
Stay close watching every bite your baby takes
When offering finger food make sure your little one is sitting down, not crawling, or moving around. It can be unsafe for a little one who's still learning to eat.
Aim to offer solids when your baby is likely to be hungry, but not overly so.
Some parents find it enjoyable to introduce solids during regular mealtimes with older siblings. Eating together is a social experience, and babies learn by observing others. An older sibling's presence can provide valuable encouragement for your baby's feeding journey.
“Following World Health Organization guidelines since 2003, it’s generally recommended to start solids around 6 months of age window.”
During mealtimes:
When feeding a baby with a spoon, parents or caregivers should sit close by, maintaining eye contact. This helps them understand when the baby is ready for the next spoonful by following their cues.
Avoid distractions like TVs or phones during mealtimes. Use this time to engage with your baby, with conversation.
Don't be surprised if your baby spits out or seems to dislike certain foods at first. It takes time for them to adjust to new tastes, so be patient and keep offering a variety of foods.
Allow your baby to explore food at their own pace and encourage self-feeding when they show interest.
Safety at mealtimes
Always be present during meals to monitor what your baby is eating and ensure they don't choke. Your watchful eye is essential for their safety and well-being.
Ensure your baby is sitting upright, offer manageable servings, and keep an eye out for the signs:
A child who is choking may appear terrified, silent, and unable to breathe.
A baby experiencing a gag reflex will likely cough and make sounds. This reflex helps them clear the food out of harm's way.
Baby-led Approach
Baby-led eating empowers your baby to explore food at their own pace, helping them manage their appetite and discover a variety of tastes and textures. This approach also supports their developmental coordination. To provide reassurance, occasionally offering purees or introducing liquid foods like yogurt, mashed potato, and runny won't take away from the benefits of mostly following a baby-led approach.
Embrace Messiness:
Allow your little one to explore their food in a messy, playful way, while encouraging them to feed themselves. This gentle approach creates a fun sensory experience that nurtures curiosity and creativity, helping them become familiar with different textures and aromas of food.
To manage mealtime messiness, you could:
opt for a shower curtain which provides generous coverage, dries swiftly, and is a budget-friendly solution. Plus, it's effortless to clean – simply toss it in the wash daily.
Purchase wearable bibs, they are comfortable, great for messy eating moments, and can be tossed into the wash as well.
Introducing allergenic foods
Once your baby reaches 6 months old, you can gradually introduce the allergenic foods, one by one, with care. Begin with small portions and carefully observe for any signs of allergic reactions. Keep a log of the allergenic foods introduced and the dates for reference.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include one or more of the following:
For long-term management of symptoms or any concerns regarding your baby's diet, don't hesitate to seek guidance from your paediatrician, dieticians, and health visitors. Their expertise can provide valuable support and ensure your baby's well-being as they continue to explore new foods.
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