Solid Foods - How to Start?

After breastfeeding or formula-feeding your child for at least four months, you can try to expand the infant’s diet. You need to know this very slow process, and every new taste may need a while to be accepted. But the better you do the job, the more your child will develop acceptance of different foods.

Is this the right time?

There are some symptoms you may observe, that would be a hint to start introducing solids. Most often the first sing is putting objects into the mouth. You must have seen that! Also chewing fists is the sign like this. But there are more.
If the baby is more frequently requesting meals and seems to still be hungry after feeding with milk - you may consider offering something more than breast milk (or formula). The most obvious thing the kid can do is reaching for food and, unless the baby is less than four months old, you should not ignore that. Staring at eating people may precede this behavior.
Whenever you see any of this, it probably time to start!

How to start?

If you are convinced it is the right time for initiation, you need to get prepared. First of all - you need to know some basics.
Temperature - the milk is supposed to be warm, but the solids you introduce should be at room temperature.
Amount - always start with a small amount; teaspoon would be perfect. One teaspoon is enough for the first day. For the several days, you gradually increase this amount up to five-six servings in few (3-5) days.
Even if the meal looks like you might use a bottle - do not do that. Baby bottles are suitable for milk but should not be used for solid foods.
Each new food you should preferably feed before noon.

What to start with?

Always veggies! Fruits have a more specific and sweeter taste, which children accept more easily. But it is a trap! If you give fruit first, it may be more difficult for most of the babies to accept vegetables after. That is why you always start with vegetables.
Even if your baby is interested in specific fruit, you need to wait, for your own good.
Also, initially, give only one vegetable at a time. Do not mix them. It is important that your child knows the taste of each veggie separately.
A meal should be cooked until soft but not overcooked. And absolutely no spices of course. Under no circumstances should you add salt or sweeten your baby’s meals. In this way, you will avoid the development of abnormal taste preferences.

Introducing solids is fun, but a long ride. Prepare yourself for the whining and a lot of mess. But with „How to introduce solid foods to your baby” guide, you will know what to do and how to act.

Good luck and Bon appetite!

Susan Urban