#asktheexperts
when to start solids for baby and what to be fed

Question

#asktheexperts 
when to start solids for baby and what to be fed

Accepted Answer

Introducing solid foods to a 6-month-old baby is an exciting milestone. Here are some tips on how to stack and organize food for your baby:

### First Foods to Introduce
1. **Single-Grain Cereals:** Start with iron-fortified single-grain cereals like rice or oatmeal. Mix with breast milk or formula.
2. **Vegetables:** Start with pureed vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and peas.
3. **Fruits:** Introduce pureed fruits like apples, bananas, and pears.
4. **Protein:** Introduce pureed meats, beans, or lentils as your baby gets used to solids.

### How to Stack and Organize Food
1. **Meal Plan:** Plan meals to include a variety of foods. Rotate between different types of cereals, vegetables, fruits, and proteins.
2. **Small Portions:** Serve small portions to avoid overwhelming your baby. A few teaspoons per meal are sufficient at this stage.
3. **Consistency:** Ensure the food is pureed or mashed to a smooth consistency to prevent choking. Gradually introduce thicker textures as your baby gets used to eating solids.
4. **Storage:**
   - **Refrigeration:** Store prepared purees in small airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
   - **Freezing:** Freeze purees in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to labeled freezer bags. This allows you to thaw only what you need for each meal.

### Sample Meal Plan
**Morning:**
- Iron-fortified single-grain cereal mixed with breast milk or formula.

**Mid-Morning:**
- Pureed fruit, such as apples or bananas.

**Lunch:**
- Pureed vegetable, like carrots or sweet potatoes.

**Afternoon:**
- Pureed fruit or vegetable.

**Dinner:**
- Pureed protein, like lentils or chicken, mixed with a vegetable.

### Tips
- **Introduce One Food at a Time:** Introduce one new food every 3-5 days to monitor for any allergic reactions.
- **Stay Hydrated:** Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding along with solid foods.
- **Observe Reactions:** Watch for signs of allergies or intolerances, such as rashes, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- **Variety:** Offer a variety of foods to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients and to develop a broad palate.

### Safety
- **Avoid Honey:** Do not give honey to babies under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
- **No Added Salt or Sugar:** Avoid adding salt or sugar to your baby's food.

By organizing and stacking food appropriately, you can ensure your baby gets a balanced diet while also making meal preparation more manageable.

#asktheexperts when to start solids for baby and what to be fed