How to start introducing solid foods to your baby?
Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone, and it usually begins around 6 months of age, when your baby shows signs of readiness. These signs include being able to sit up with support, showing interest in food, and losing the tongue-thrust reflex (which causes them to push food out of their mouth). Start with simple, single-ingredient foods like pureed vegetables, fruits, or iron-fortified baby cereals. Offer small amounts—just a teaspoon or two—to help your baby get used to new tastes and textures.
In the beginning, it’s more about exploration than nutrition. Let your baby play with their food, touch it, and take their time. There’s no rush to replace milk or formula—solids are just a supplement at this stage. Stick to one new food at a time, and wait three to five days before introducing another, so you can monitor for any allergic reactions like rashes, vomiting, or diarrhea. Common early foods include mashed banana, sweet potato, avocado, or rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula.
As your baby gets more comfortable with solids, gradually increase the variety and texture. Move from smooth purees to mashed foods and then to soft finger foods like steamed veggies or small bits of soft fruit. Encourage self-feeding with baby-safe utensils or hands, depending on your comfort level and whether you’re doing traditional weaning or baby-led weaning. Either method is fine—as long as your baby is safe, supervised, and progressing at their own pace.
Lastly, make mealtime positive and pressure-free. Sit with your baby, eat together if possible, and let them mirror your habits. They’re learning not just what to eat, but how to eat—from watching you. Be patient; it’s normal for babies to reject or spit out new foods at first. With time, consistency, and encouragement, your baby will build a healthy relationship with food that sets the foundation for good eating habits later on.
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