Introducing solid foods to your baby is such an exciting milestone for both you and your baby. It is a milestone that brings along different questions and inquiries. When should I start feeding my baby other foods? What foods should you start with for each method? And how should I introduce it?
So, Here’s everything to know about starting a baby on solids!
When Introducing Solids to Your Baby?
According to The American Academy of Pediatric, first foods other than breast milk or formula milk should be introduced to babies starting from the age of 6 months.
Still, the answer depends really on your baby’s growth and development. You should look for these signs:
- They can sit without support
- They can control their head steadily
- They learned to open their mouth for a spoon
- They look curious about new foods and what family is eating
- They still feel hungry after getting their milk
What Foods Should I Introduce to My Baby First?
First foods can be exciting and scary at the same time when you don’t know what foods to give to your baby. According to experts, most foods are Ok to be introduced to babies in the first year; as long as they are prepared in the right way.
So, what foods should you give to your baby at this age?
Well, guess what? There are no good or bad first foods. There is no list of foods to avoid or introduce. But, there are certain key points you should pay attention to.
With all methods:
- Include foods rich in iron
- Offer a varied menu
- Find ways to offer your baby the foods your family is eating
How Should I Introduce Solids to My Baby?
The first method of introducing solids is puree feeding. For Purée feeding keep in mind that you should:
- Start with a smooth runny puree, then move quickly (within 2 to 4 weeks), to thicker purees, then to fork-mashed and more textured purees.
- Blend steamed, slow-cooked, or extra ripe foods with water, breastmilk, or formula until you reach desired consistency.
- Include iron-rich foods flavor too.
Examples of foods you should include are:
- Pureed avocado
- Pureed cooked beans
- Pureed chicken
- Sweet Potato Puree
- Plain whole-milk yogurt