Baby food - Starting Solids

From WikiParenting

[edit] What age for solids?

The majority of babies are ready for solids by the time that they reach six months of age, however some babies take longer to show interest. If you offer solids before your baby reaches six months old, his or her digestive system may be immature, and won’t be able to cope with, or properly metabolize the food. If solid foods are introduced too early into a baby’s diet, he or she may have more risk of food allergy. Young babies are also less able to let you know when they have had enough food, so overfeeding is a concern.

[edit] How do I know if my baby is ready?

Before you endeavor to start giving solids, your baby must be able to have a good degree of head control, and be able to sit, with support.

Your baby must no longer possess the ‘tongue thrust’ reflex, which he or she was born with. This reflex makes babies push anything that is solid out of their mouths, with their tongue.

[edit] Isn’t milk enough?

Breast milk or formula provides all the nutrients that your baby will need to thrive, until around the age of six months. By this age, the baby’s iron stores will be getting low, and solid foods can supplement this.

[edit] What are the best ‘first foods?’

A baby’s first foods should always be pureed to a smooth consistency.

[edit] Fruits to Offer

The following fruits all are easily digested, and tolerated by most babies

• Apple
• Pear
• Banana
• Avocado

[edit] Vegetables to Offer

The following vegetables all are easily digested, and tolerated by most babies

• Sweet Potato
• Pumpkin
• Carrot

[edit] Milk Foods to Offer

It is not recommended to give straight cow’s milk before the age of twelve months, as this can cause digestive problems. Infants under the age of 12 months can be offered:

• Baby yoghurt
• Greek style unsweetened yogurt
• Custard without egg

[edit] How Much To Offer?

When starting off with solid foods, offer just a teaspoon the first time. Over a period of days, you can then build up to two teaspoons, or more if your baby seems to enjoy it and is hungry.

[edit] Allergy Concerns

It is best to only introduce one new food every three days. If your baby has an allergic reaction, or shows any food sensitivities, this will help you to know what food is upsetting him or her.

[edit] Common myths about solids

• Starting solids early will not usually help a baby to sleep better through the night. However, an early introduction will cause abdominal discomfort, as the baby struggles to digest the food, and often will become constipated.

• Rice cereals should never be added to a baby’s bottle. Not only does this pose a risk of choking, the baby will not learn the difference between eating and drinking.