It's time to start thinking about solid foods! Introducing your baby to solid foods is an important milestone in their development. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin this new adventure.
When to start?
It's recommended that babies start introducing solid foods around 6 months old. Before then, their digestive system is not developed enough to handle solids. Around this age, their intelligence begins to grow and they develop the ability to control their head and sit upright with support. Babies also start to show interest in food and may begin reaching for your food when you're eating. These developments mean that your baby is now able to start trying different types of solid foods. If you have any concerns, be sure to speak with your doctor before starting solid foods.
Types of food
When you do start introducing solid foods, it's important to start with single-ingredient, easily-digestible foods. You can start by giving them pureed fruits and vegetables or cereals that have been diluted with breast milk or water. Good options include cooked veggies, cooked fruits, and well-cooked meat. Avoid processed foods, raw veggies, honey, and cow's milk until your baby is a bit older. You'll also want to avoid any food that may pose a choking hazard, such as whole grapes or hard candy.
How much food?
Start by offering your baby a small amount of food, such as a teaspoonful or two, once or twice a day in addition to their usual breast milk or formula feedings. Over time, you can increase the amount as they show interest and are able to eat more. It's important not to force them to eat; let them eat at their own pace and stop when they show signs that they're full. A good rule of thumb is to offer them solids once a day at first and then gradually increase the frequency and variety of foods as they get used to the new foods.
Why is it important to start solid food?
As a mother, you want only the best for your baby, including when it comes to their nutrition. Here’s why solid food is important for babies.
Growth and Development
Babies grow at an amazing rate, more so in the first year than any other time in their lives. In the first 6 months, babies double their birth weight and by their first birthday, they triple it. To support this growth, they need iron-rich foods like meat, poultry, and fish; vitamin C-rich foods like oranges and broccoli; and calcium-rich foods like yogurt and cheese. Breastmilk or infant formula can provide most of the nutrients your baby needs in the first 6 months, but after that solid foods are necessary to provide the calories and nutrients needed for growth.
Digestion
Another reason why it’s important to introduce solid food at around 6 months is because that’s when babies’ digestive systems are ready to start processing them. Before then, babies’ intestines are still developing and they lack the stomach acids needed to break down solid food. This can lead to digestive problems like constipation or diarrhea. Start with pureed fruits or vegetables and gradually move on to mashed or chopped foods as your baby becomes more efficient at chewing and swallowing.
Immunity
Another benefit of introducing solid food is that it helps babies develop immunity against infections. When you breastfeed, you pass along antibodies in your milk that help protect your baby from diseases. As babies starts eating solid food, they’re exposed to new bacteria that help them develop immunity against infections of all kinds – respiratory, gastrointestinal, and ear infections. Studies have even shown that babies who eat more diverse foods are less likely to develop allergies later in life.
To sum up…
Around six months of age, your baby will start to show signs that they're ready for solid foods. It's important to introduce solid foods at this stage because this is when babies start to need additional nutrients like iron that they can't get from breast milk or formula alone. At first, you should only give your baby a small amount of food once or twice a day in addition to their usual breast milk or formula feedings. You can start by giving them pureed fruits and vegetables or cereals that have been diluted with breast milk or water. As they get used to eating solid foods, you can gradually increase the quantity and variety of foods you offer them.
Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone! Keep these things in mind as you begin this new adventure into feeding your little one. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your doctor.