Starting Baby on Solids (The Ultimate Guide)

 Every parent craves for their child's first meal.

If we are well prepared, the food exploration process can be a magical moment between us and our child. Although there is a lot of information out there, the only person who will guide you on this adventure is your baby. They will lead the way and you will follow.

When is the right time for solid foods? We've gathered all the information you need to consider and make it fun and stress-free to start your baby off with solid foods.

While some babies show signs of readiness earlier, it has been shown that starting a baby with solid foods before the fourth month after delivery carries the risk of particles traveling down the airways, causing aspiration.

It can also increase the risk of obesity and prevent the baby from getting the right amount of nutrients and calories.

But deciding when to start is a delicate balance. You don't want to start too early, but you shouldn't start too late either. Studies have shown that starting too late can cause iron deficiency, delay oral motor function, and slow baby growth.

The wisest thing to do to avoid stress and anxiety is to wait until the sixth month and look for signs that the baby has developed enough to switch to a different meal plan.

Sitting: Your baby should be able to sit up straight with some support.

Greater neck control: This is the key to preventing choking.

Decreased Tongue Push Reflex: No more pushing food out of the mouth when offered, meaning the baby is learning to control the tongue push reflex.

Reactive Lips: Your baby closes his lips around the spoon when fed the puree and holds it in his mouth.

Interest in food: They try to take a piece of nibbles and bring it to their mouth when you give it to them.

There are many myths about signs of readiness that can give first-time moms headaches. Here's the reality: just because your baby watches you eat, it doesn't mean he's ready for solid foods.

We are simply the child's closest reference to the human experience and they have no choice but to be amazed by everything we do.

Pro Tip

Don't consider your baby's weight in your decision. Your baby's average weight and size may be smaller or larger than normal. These anomalies do not automatically mean that they need solids if they are smaller, or that they are ready for them if they are larger.

Once the child is in the mood to explore and all cardinal signs are under control, you are both ready to begin your discovery.

So you don't hurt your baby's gums, choose bananas, peaches, sweet potatoes, carrots and boneless meat as a base. Anything soft will do. All prepared food - most of it must be at this stage - should be tender.

Keep It Simple

There is no need to season the baby's food - it may even irritate the stomach.

Wheat-based meals should have only one ingredient and always be mixed with water, breast milk, or formula.

Start with small bites of just one type of food, and as you follow their cues, increase the amount. Just be sure to check them all the time, as at this age there is still a chance of choking.

It may seem like a lot, making sure iron-rich foods and colorful fruits and vegetables are on the menu every day. You'll also introduce meat and switch from puree to more structured food at the appropriate time. However, it doesn't have to be complicated.

Here are some recommended meal plans for each stage of development 

Research shows that including such products in a child's diet, particularly between the ages of 4 and 6 months, can be helpful in preventing any food allergies of that nature.

The trick to including the products in the child's diet (also being careful not to attack his immunological defenses) is, as imagined, to do it gradually.

Traditional and accessible foods should be introduced at first (think grains, meats, pureed vegetables and fruit), then, following the child's responses, include one or two allergenic products.

Be Safe

Talk to your baby's doctor before introducing potential allergenic foods, especially if there is a history of allergies in your family.

Although some babies need several safety measures when it comes to potential allergies, there are many products designed specifically to introduce allergens into a baby's immune system. These products can come in the form of finger foods or blended powders that contain a blend of allergenic proteins.

The following are indicators of potential allergies (9).

The child has close and direct relatives with food allergies (a sibling with a peanut allergy).

Any level of eczema (moderate to severe) that persists after treatment.

Any food allergies previously detected on the child or a positive result for an allergy test.

Signs of a food allergy

It is usually during this developmental period that most allergies are identified. Commonly, children tend to be allergic to the same food groups as their parents. Or they may develop allergies that their parents don't have.

In infants, the signs appear soon after consuming the food and the foods most associated with allergic reactions are milk, eggs and peanuts (10).

The most common signs of a food allergy to look out for are:

Swelling of the lip, tongue or face.

Vomiting or diarrhea.

Difficult breathing.

Cough and wheezing.

Hives or bruises.

Rashes and redness of the skin.

A child who starts scratching his mouth.

It is necessary to pay attention to allergic reactions. If you experience swelling, severe vomiting, or difficulty breathing after eating, call an emergency number immediately. In less alarming cases, such as a rash or redness, tell your GP or your child's pediatrician.

The gradual introduction of solid foods is particularly beneficial for both the parent and the child, i.e. considering how a child's independence means even less need for constant care.

During the baby's first six months, specialists recommend breastfeeding as the only source of nutrients. The same is true for the next six months, with the gradual addition of solids (11).

Iron-fortified solids and grains work well when paired with breast milk, but the following specifications may help you through the process:

0 to 4 months: stick to breast or formula milk only. You can expect your baby to drink 2 to 4 ounces and you will feed him whenever he appears hungry.

4 to 6 months: You are still sticking to breast or formula milk. Your baby will need 6 to 10 feeds per day and will likely want 3 to 6 ounces per feed.

6 to 7 months: Most recommendations are that daily solids intake is unnecessary at first, making it a "every few days" frequency. Continue with breast milk or formula: 5 to 9 feeds per day 4 to 6 ounces per feed.

7 to 9 months: According to the interest expressed by the child, solids should be added daily. A maximum of two meals per day is the recommended amount, and if a parent is considering adding juice, it is best diluted with water and no more than three to four ounces per day. Breast milk or formula should be given 5 to 8 times a day, generally 4 to 6 ounces each time.

9 to 12 months: Solids should increase, and babies should start feeding themselves with their solids intake. By their first birthday, they should even be ready to start drinking cow's milk (12). Until then, expect 4 to 6 feedings of breast milk or formula per day, 4 to 8 ounces each.

For extra attention, you can give the baby another spoon to hold in the other hand. Bringing a spoonful of each solid first food to the baby's mouth and being there with him for the taste (sounds of approval!) Can build a magical experience.

Start by introducing solid foods into one meal a day, then move up slowly. The morning is a great time to start as the baby is often hungrier at that time.

Even if your baby is old enough to hold his head and neck still, there is still some risk of choking. To avoid choking, keep these tips in mind:

No bottled solids: Don't give your child oats or solids in a bottle of milk.

Soft is Safe: Always make sure your food is soft, cut into small pieces and easy to swallow.

Avoid Unsafe Foods: Don't offer nuts, popcorn, candy, and hard foods that you can't safely introduce.

Keep the baby stable: Keep the baby in the chair sitting upright with the safety straps to keep him stable.

Also, keep an expectation-free mindset for the first time by introducing a serving of solid food.

Pushing away or completely ignoring what's in the spoon are normal reactions.

New and different foods are needed every month, so it's a good idea to come back to this guide whenever it gets overwhelming.

And remember, you were once as small as your baby and you had no teeth to help you. Be patient and stay calm, knowing that in time, your baby will become a fully adult eater.