Do you know when to start babies on solid foods? This is an important question that all parents should be able to answer.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting solids at around six months old, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you make the switch.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different methods for starting solids, as well as when is the best time to do it. Keep reading for more information!
When to start baby on solid foods
At Noodle Soup, we specialize in all things baby related.
Since starting solid foods is an important topic to every parent, we created a tear pad that serves as a great tool and reminder to parents.
Check it out below!
Did You Know: Doctors recommend only breastmilk for about 6 months before adding solid food continuing breastfeeding. But many babies are fed cereal and other solids before they are ready.
Don’t rush it!
Wait for these signs that your baby is ready for solid food:
- Be able to hold their head up
- Sit up, although they may need some help
- Show an interest in your food or the food around them
- Opens their mouth when offered food
- Double their birth weight
- Is able to close their lips around the spoon and swallow the food
If baby pushes food out of their mouth, they may not be able to move it to the back of their mouth and swallow.
This is called tongue thrust.
Try making the food thinner or wait a week and try again.
NEVER put cereal in a bottle, it can cause:
- Gagging or inhaling food
- Developing food allergies
- Overfeeding
Feel free to save this infographic below and share it on social media! Print it and leave it on your fridge.
What is baby-led weaning?
Baby-led weaning is when you offer your child small pieces of food that they can feed themselves. This method can be messy, but it allows your child to explore different textures and flavors at their own pace.
The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to start with baby-led weaning or purees.
Purees are a more traditional approach, and involve spoon-feeding your child smooth, mashed foods. If you choose this route, you will need to invest in a food processor or blender.
Once you have decided on a method, it is time to start thinking about what foods to introduce.
The best way to do this is by starting with single-ingredient foods.
This will help you identify any allergies or sensitivities your child may have.
Once you have a few single-ingredient foods that your child tolerates well, you can start to mix them together into more complex dishes.
When you are ready to start feeding your child solids, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, introduce new foods slowly and in small quantities. This will help your child get used to the new textures and flavors without getting overwhelmed.
Second, be patient! It may take a few tries before your child takes to solid foods.
Just keep offering new foods and eventually they will find something they like.
Now that you know when to start babies on solid foods, it is time to get started!
Remember to start slowly and be patient, and your child will be eating solids in no time. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to your child’s doctor. They will be able to give you more personalized advice based on your child’s individual needs.
What baby food should I introduce first?
Please note, there are many allergies and unique cases where your child may only be able to eat a specific diet. As you just read, introduce one thing at a time to make sure your baby does not have any minor or severe reactions to foods.
This can be a fun time to feed your child and watch their reactions, but remember, take your time and learn your babies digestion abilities!
So, what’s typically the first food introduced?
Cereal is usually the first food that parents introduce to their baby. Rice cereal is a good choice because it is easy to digest.
Oatmeal and barley cereals are also options.
You can introduce cereal at around six months old.
After cereal, you can start introducing fruits and vegetables.
Pureed or mashed fruits and vegetables are good choices for first foods. You can start with veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, and green beans.
Fruits like applesauce, bananas, and pears are also good options.
Start with one or two tablespoons of fruit or vegetable puree per feeding. Gradually increase the amount as your baby gets used to eating solid foods.
There are also a lot of great options at local stores that have veggies, fruits, or a combination of them in ready to go pouches. This can make this process much easier at times for baby and parents!
Below is an example of a common baby food puree you can find at Target.com.
Can I start my baby on solids at 3 months?
As mentioned, it’s generally recommended that babies start solid foods around six months of age. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
If your baby is developmentally ready and showing interest in food, you may be able to start them on solids as early as three months old.
If you’re considering starting your baby on solids earlier than six months, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician first!
They can help you determine if your baby is ready and provide guidance on how to proceed. Starting solids too early can increase the risk of choking, so it’s important to make sure you’re doing it at the right time.
If you do decide to start solid foods before six months, be sure to introduce them slowly.
Start with just a few bites of pureed fruits or vegetables and gradually increase the amount as your baby gets used to the new textures and flavors.
With a little patience and guidance, you can help your baby make a smooth transition to solid foods.
What are the best solid foods to start for your baby?
There are a few things to consider when starting your baby on solids.
First, it is important to start with foods that are easy to digest and that have a soft texture.
Second, you want to choose foods that are high in nutrients and low in sugar.
And finally, you want to make sure that the food is cut into small pieces so that your baby can easily chew and swallow it.
With all of that in mind, here is a list of the 28 best solid foods to start your baby off with when they are puréed:
- Bananas
- Oatmeal
- Sweet potatoes
- Avocados
- Applesauce
- Butternut squash
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Peas
- Pears
- Plums
- Watermelon
- Cooked rice
- Eggs
- (Pureed) chicken or beef
- Lentils
- Chickpeas/garbanzo beans
- Split peas
- Black beans
- Navy beans
- White beans
- Kidney beans
- Pinto beans
- Lima beans
- Green peas
- Snow peas
- Edamame
- Plain yogurt
As you can see, there are a variety of foods that you can choose from when starting your baby on solids.
Just make sure to start with small amounts and gradually increase the amount as your baby gets used to eating solids.
Always consult with your doctor before starting your baby on any new food.
