#asktheexperts
Starting solids

Question

#asktheexperts 
Starting solids

Accepted Answer

### When to Start Solid Foods
Most babies are ready to start solid foods around 6 months of age. Here are some signs that your baby might be ready:
- **Sitting up with minimal support**: This indicates good neck and head control.
- **Showing interest in food**: Watching others eat, reaching for food, and opening their mouth when food is offered.
- **Loss of tongue-thrust reflex**: They can move food to the back of their mouth to swallow rather than pushing it out with their tongue.
- **Increased hunger**: Despite regular breastfeeding or formula feeding, your baby seems hungrier.

### What to Start With
When introducing solids, it's important to start with single-ingredient foods that are easy to digest and unlikely to cause allergies. Here are some suitable first foods:

#### Cereals
- **Iron-fortified single-grain cereals**: Mix with breast milk, formula, or water to a thin consistency. Examples include:
  - Rice cereal
  - Oatmeal

#### Fruits
- **Bananas**: Mashed or pureed.
- **Apples**: Cooked and pureed.
- **Pears**: Cooked and pureed.
- **Peaches**: Cooked and pureed.
- **Avocados**: Mashed or pureed.

#### Vegetables
- **Sweet Potatoes**: Cooked and pureed.
- **Carrots**: Cooked and pureed.
- **Peas**: Cooked and pureed.
- **Butternut Squash**: Cooked and pureed.
- **Green Beans**: Cooked and pureed.

### How to Introduce Solids
1. **Start Slow**: Begin with 1-2 teaspoons of pureed food once a day. Gradually increase the amount as your baby gets used to eating solids.
2. **Single Ingredients**: Introduce one new food at a time, waiting 3-5 days before adding another. This helps identify any allergic reactions.
3. **Consistency**: Start with smooth purees and gradually progress to thicker textures as your baby gets comfortable.
4. **Feeding Time**: Offer solids after breastfeeding or bottle feeding to ensure your baby still gets enough milk, which remains their primary source of nutrition.

### Safety Tips
- **Avoid Choking Hazards**: Ensure all foods are well-pureed and free of lumps.
- **No Added Salt or Sugar**: Avoid adding salt, sugar, honey, or any other seasonings to your baby's food.
- **Watch for Allergies**: Look for signs of allergic reactions such as rash, diarrhea, vomiting, or breathing difficulties.

### Signs of Readiness for Solid Foods
- Your baby can hold their head up steadily.
- They open their mouth when food is offered.
- They can move food from a spoon to their throat.

### Sample Feeding Schedule
1. **Morning**: Iron-fortified cereal mixed with breast milk/formula.
2. **Midday**: Pureed vegetable.
3. **Afternoon**: Pureed fruit.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth transition to solid foods for your baby while ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for growth and development. Always consult your pediatrician before starting solids to tailor the approach to your baby's specific needs.

#asktheexperts Starting solids