Starting Your Baby On Solids; What You Need To Know?

Parents should be careful while introducing solid foods to their babies. Is the baby ready to have solid foods? What foods do babies like? What if they develop allergies? You as a parent should be concerned about such things. Also, babies are at risk of suffocation when eating solid foods, therefore attention should be paid to it. Here we present many things such as the age at which a baby should be given foods, the first food that should be provided, the food that should not be provided, feeding techniques, how to prevent allergies, etc. Here we go;

When does your baby start food?

Generally, when the baby is 5 months old, solid foods can be introduced to them. After six months, several nutritional components that the baby needs from solid foods. Therefore, by 5 months you can introduce foods to your baby. Doctors never recommend food for babies under 4 months. 

Also, your baby should be physically ready to eat. That is, the baby must be able to control the neck muscles and can sit alone. 

Signs that your baby is ready to get solid foods

1. Sitting up with minimal support.
2. Good head and neck control.
3. Showing interest in foods
4. Ability to move foods to the back of their mouth

What are the best first baby foods?

Usually when introducing foods to a baby, doctors recommend starting with iron-rich foods such as meat, eggs, and lentils. Iron is essential for brain development and red blood cell growth in babies. Cereals enriched with iron have also been introduced as a good alternative. Babies should be encouraged to eat different foods from an early age. Brightly colored vegetables and fruits are more nutritious and add appeal. It is something that makes the baby want to eat. 

It can be given as a baby’s first food as very finely chopped or soft whole pieces. First food can be pureed. Introduce foods slowly to your baby. Then they gradually get used to it. Then you can introduce them to more nutritious foods. Generally, you can start giving raw fruits and vegetables to the baby from the age of 9 months. Carrots and apples, which are hard foods, should be grated well, and bananas and avocados, etc should be cut into small pieces. Finger foods such as cheese, dry cereal, and small pieces of toast can also be offered during this introduction period. 

How do you introduce solids?

• Start slowly – Start introducing food by giving 1 or 2 teaspoons at one meal once a day. Then gradually increase the amount until the baby is more comfortable after eating. 
• Offer one food at a time – Parents can provide one solid food at a time. Wait a few days before introducing another food. This helps to monitor if your baby is showing any allergies.
• Texture progression – Start introducing foods with purees. Then gradually introduce more textured and soft finger foods. 

What are the feeding techniques?

• Use a spoon – You can use a spoon when serving food. Never pour cereal or other solid foods into a bottle.
• Responsive feeding – As parents, you should be aware of your baby’s needs. Do not force them to eat if they turn away or refuse to eat when offered food. Babies eat when they are hungry. Likewise, they will stop eating when they are full. 
• Establish a routine – Create a routine for feeding. Parents can try to feed the baby at the same time every day.

What foods should you avoid for babies?

• Honey – Doctors do not recommend honey for babies under 12 months of age. Avoid giving honey to babies due to the risk of botulism. 
• Cow’s milk – Do not provide cow’s milk as a drink to babies under 12 months.
• Choking hazards – Avoid giving whole nuts, grapes, and hard vegetable and fruit pieces to babies as they can cause choking. 
• Added sugars and salt – Do not give babies food with added sugar, salt, or artificial sweeteners. Your baby’s kidneys are not mature enough to handle high salt concentrations. Thus, you can provide as many fresh natural vegetables, fruits, and grains as possible. 

What about nutritional balance?

You should be more careful about the nutritional value of the food you provide your baby. 

Zinc and iron – After 6 months of birth, your baby’s iron and zinc stores deplete. Therefore, you can include iron-rich foods such as meat or legumes. 

Variety – Always ensure that the baby has a balanced diet. You can provide your baby with a balanced diet containing carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, lipids, and minerals. Also, you can offer a variety of foods and expose your baby to different tastes and textures. 

Should you be concerned about food allergies for your baby?

You should wait at least two days before introducing each new food to your baby. Then, if the baby shows an allergy to a certain food, it can be identified. Especially, when eating foods with a high risk of allergy such as peanut products, fish, dairy products, or eggs, it should be observed if any allergy occurs. What are the allergy symptoms? They are vomiting, diarrhea, itching, or difficulty breathing. 

What’s more?

Breast milk or formula should be the primary source of nutrition until your baby is 12 months old. At this stage, solid food is complementary and should not be used as a substitute for breast milk. However, over time, your baby’s intake of solid foods increases. Then the amount of breast milk will gradually decrease. 

Not every baby’s growth is the same. Therefore, it is important to take your baby to a doctor and get advice before introducing any food to your baby. Especially, if your baby is premature or suffering from any medical condition, you should see a pediatrician and get the necessary advice. 

Conclusion 

Generally, babies can start solid foods at 5 months of age. However, you should confirm that the baby is ready to eat. Here, we have provided a long description of introducing healthy foods to babies. Read it carefully. For more details, you can visit a doctor.