Is your baby ready for solid food ?
Breast milk or formula is all your baby will need until atleast 4 months of age. There does come a time, when milk alone will no longer supply all of your baby's nutrition needs. Many health professionals suggest starting solid foods at four to five months of age. The ideal time to start your baby on solids when she/he show signs of interest in solids,. The best advice while considering starting solids for your baby is "WATCH THE BABY, NOT THE CALENDAR".Starting solids too early can cause your baby to develop food allergies. Your baby's intestinal tract is not as fully developed during the first few months and solids are too much to handle. Another reason is your baby's inability to swallow solids correctly before 4 to 6 months of age, and this can cause choking.
Most babies are ready to try solid food when they're about six months old. However, each baby is unique and your baby's weight or age alone does not determine her readiness for solid food. Contrary to the popular myth, that starting solids early will not help your baby to sleep throughout the night. Follow the baby's cues, Some signs that your baby is ready for solid food include
- the ability to hold her head steady and sit with support;
- She/He may try to reach out and grab your food;
- opening her mouth when she sees food;
- no longer thrusting her tongue out during feeding, a clue she's able to keep food in her mouth and swallow it.
How to Start with solid foods in babies ?
The first time you try to feed your baby, it may not go well, but here are some things to remember to make it easier.
The first time you try to feed your baby, it may not go well, but here are some things to remember to make it easier.
- Pick a time when both you and baby are in a good mood and he/she is not too tired or too hungry.
- Hold your baby on your lap or have the baby sit up in an infant seat. Start with rice cereal. This is easiest on the baby's stomach. A tablespoon mixed with 3 or 4 tablespoons of formula or breast milk is all you need at first.
- Keep the cereal very thin. Use a small baby spoon and put cereal only on the tip. If the baby has trouble swallowing, he/she may not be ready for solids yet. Wait a few days and try again.
- Feed the baby the same cereal for one week before changing to another flavor.
Moving On
- After your baby is used to cereal, you can begin adding vegetables, fruits, meat, and bread.
- Try one new food at a time, for several days, to make sure the baby is not allergic to any foods.
- Stick to single foods first, then try mixed foods and dinners.
- When the baby starts getting teeth, add finely chopped or mashed foods. Texture helps sore gums.
- At 6 months, start offering juice in a cup only. NEVER put juice in a bottle. An infant, put to bed or naps with a bottle containing juice, is at risk for developing baby bottle tooth decay.
- If your baby will not eat a particular food, try it again later. The more you offer a food a child, the better chance he/she has of liking it.
- Babies do not need sugar or salt added to their food.
- Do not limit the amount of fat in a baby's diet. Fat is needed for the brain to grow.
- Around 9-12 months, give finger foods. Ripe, peeled fruit, or soft, cooked vegetables are good choices.
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