The topic of what and when to introduce solid foods to your baby can be equally exciting and stressful. There are so many opinions out there - from family members insisting on tried-and-true "traditional" first foods to the doctor specified recommendations. It's enough to make any mama's head spin!
Well, take a deep breath, my friend, because we are here to walk you through this whole solid food journey. Here are some basics you should know before starting solids for your baby.
When Can My Baby Begin Solids?
Doctors generally recommend starting solids around 6 months of age. By this age, their digestive system starts to mature and they begin displaying signs of being able to handle more than just breastmilk. Some readiness signs include:
- Hold their head up: Your baby should be able to sit in a chair or an infant seat alone with good head control.
- Open their mouth when food comes near them: Babies may be ready for solid foods if they stare at you while eating, and try to reach for your food.
- Move food from a spoon to their throat: If you offer your baby a spoon of cereal and they push it out from their mouth, it means they are not yet able to swallow it. That's normal because they never had anything thicker than breast milk before. Try to dilute the food first a few times, and then gradually thicken the texture. You can also wait a week or two and try again.
- Your baby is big enough: Generally, infants double their birth weight by the end of four months and weigh about 5-6 kg or more, it’s a sign they may be ready for solid foods.
How Do I Feed My Baby?
You should start with half a spoonful or less and talk to your baby while feeding. At first, your little one may not know what to do. They may look confused, roll the food inside their mouth, or totally reject it altogether.
One trick to make eating solids a little easier is to give your baby a little breast milk first, then switch to a small amount of food and finish with more breast milk or formula. This will prevent your baby from getting very frustrated when they are hungry.
It’s completely normal if most of the first solid food winds up on your baby’s face, and clothes. Gradually increase the amount of spoons (but start with only one or two). This will allow your baby some time to learn how to swallow foods. If your baby cries or shows signs of not eating food, do not force them. Go back to breastfeeding totally, and wait for a few days to try again.
Which Food Should I Give My Baby First?
According to Ayurveda, the ideal first foods are those that are warm, soft, and easily digestible - things like well-cooked apples, pears, sweet potatoes, and even savory purees made with spices like cumin and coriander. The reasoning behind this is that Ayurveda believes a baby's digestive "fire" (or agni) is quite delicate in the beginning.
Many experts suggest starting with super smooth, and easy-to-digest foods like sweet potatoes, bananas, green beans, peas, and avocados. These whole foods are not only packed with essential vitamins and minerals, but they also tend to be gentle on a new eater's tummy.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember is to trust your instincts and go at your baby's pace. Introduce new foods slowly, watch for any adverse reactions, and don't be afraid to seek guidance from your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
And, try to incorporate good eating habits from the start of their life, these early experiences will help your child to eat healthily throughout their life.
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