Introducing Solids to Baby

INTRODUCING SOLIDS TO BABIES

Breastmilk or infant formula is the only food that is recommended for your baby in the first 6 months of life.

Before this age, your baby's digestive system is too immature to cope with solid foods. Starting earlier may increase the risk of any allergies or health problems.

Although your baby will only start with small portions of solid foods while breastmilk or infant formula is still their main nutritional intake, it is the practice involved in learning how to chew and swallow before the essential time when the solid foods are their main source of nutrition.

The best time to introduce solids to your baby is when they are in a happy frame of mind, the last thing they want to do is learn something new when they're tired, hungry, full or upset. It is also recommended to try before lunch time so that you can monitor any reaction to the solids.

Rice cereal is the recommended first food for baby as it is easily digested and is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. You should introduce a new food once every 3 or 4 days so that you can monitor any allergic reaction your baby has with the food.

To start, offer your baby small portions of pureed foods these portions will be increased as your baby gets used to solids. If your baby refuses the first time, leave it for a couple of days and then try again. Your baby may spit it out the first couple of times as it is a new texture for them, but they will get used to it.

Annabel Karmel's Complete First Year Planner together with the Top 100 Baby Purees offers all the information you need to know in getting your baby's eating habits underway, as babies grow more in their first year than any other year of their lives.

Gerber baby foods are a popular choice of pre-prepared meals for baby with their great range available. Buying gerber baby food online is as simple as visiting Amazon and ordering.

You will notice, that once your baby starts eating solids, their bowel movements will be more solid as well, this is completely normal.

Information available in this website eBabyCentre.com is provided for guidance only. Any health related concerns or queries should be directed to the appropriate healthcare professionals.

Signs that your baby may be ready for solids:

• Baby is 6 months of age or older

• Baby can hold own head upright

• Baby shows interest in the food you are eating, by reaching or licking lips

• Baby does not show tongue thrust reflex when spoon enters their mouth

SUGGESTED FOODS TO TRY FIRST:

• rice cereal • potato/sweet potato • carrot • pumpkin • avocado

THEN INTRODUCE:

• apple • pear • banana • peaches • yoghurt

AND THEN MEATS:

• meat • chicken • fish

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