When you have a baby starting solids, the information available can be overwhelming. Here is a basic guideline covering the best time to start baby solids and the best solid foods to introduce to your baby to get started.
Confusion over Introducing Solids
From that first moment you welcome your baby into the world, it seems as though an eternity will pass before you need to consider introducing solid foods. Surprisingly, as any parent knows, time moves quickly and before you know it you are faced with an entire new dilemma: What solids should you introduce to your baby? When should you introduce solids and how?
Once you know the basics, it's not too hard to get the hang of it, and before you know it, your little one will be sitting up at the table eating entire home cooked meals with a knife and fork! So here goes, your basic guide for how to introduce solids to your baby, based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Best Age to Introduce Solid Food to Your Baby
Not so long ago 3 or 4 months was said to be an acceptable age for starting solids. In fact, there are some people who will still adamantly state that starting baby solids this young is necessary. While in the past it was thought to be okay, it is now well recognised, researched and advised via the WHO that solids should only be introduced once a baby reaches 6 months old.
There are a number of reasons it is not ideal to start solids before a baby is 6 months old and these include:
- Increased risk of allergic reactions
- An immature bowel and digestive system that cannot cope with solid foods - also causing allergic reactions and problems later in life.
- Tongue thrust - It is for good reason that babies under 6 months of age have a natural tongue thrust reflex that causes food to push back out of their mouth instead of being swallowed. This response to objects within the mouth will begin to reduce at 6 months.
- Incomplete development of head and neck and muscular control
Keep in mind that while your baby may take interest in food that others are eating, until 6 months, their own body is not ready for the types of proteins, minerals and other food ingredients.
Continue reading to discover what foods to introduce to your baby between 6 to 9 months
Introducing Solid Foods to Your Infant - What you Need to know about First Solids and Finger Foods
Introducing new foods to your child can be a nerve wracking and confusing time. This easy to follow article series will discuss the basics of introducing those first solids to your infant and continue through to great finger foods you can introduce as your child grows.