parenting
Dr Mpisane-Jama suggests looking out for these signs of readiness:
• Good head control( able to hold chin off chest)
• Ability to sit upright with gentle support
• Showing interest in the food you are eating
• Diminishing of the tongue-thrust reflex
Why solids matter
You might be tempted to delay introducing solids for as long as possible, but this step is crucial.“ It introduces essential nutrients and helps develop the baby’ s oral and motor skills,” explains Dr Mpisane-Jama.
As your baby grows, their nutritional needs increase – particularly for iron and zinc. For the first six months, babies rely on iron stores built up in the womb. As those reserves decrease, iron-rich foods become vital to support healthy growth and development.
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First steps
When it comes to choosing where to start, fruits and vegetables are the best place to begin.“ Some great first solid foods include puréed fruits, such as apples, pears, mango and banana, and vegetables like sweet potatoes, gem squash, carrots and broccoli,” says the doctor.“ These are mild and easy to digest. Try to avoid processed foods or those with added additives.”
In addition, it’ s important to prioritise nutrients such as iron and zinc found in foods like puréed meats, as well as protein and healthy fats from avocado and nut butter to support brain development.
As your baby grows, food textures should evolve from purées to mashed foods, and eventually to small, soft pieces.“ This gradual change helps them to learn to chew and swallow efficiently,” adds Dr Mpisane-Jama.
The important thing is to avoid introducing textures too quickly, which can lead to gagging, or too slowly, which may result in picky eating habits later on.
Introducing allergens
Now comes the scary part … allergies. Introducing potentially life‐threatening foods can feel like a lot, but it has to be done.“ Early introduction of allergens reduces the risk of later allergies. Common allergens such as peanuts, eggs and fish can be introduced around 6 – 7 months of age,” explains Dr Mpisane‐Jama.“ The idea is to give the specific allergen for at least three days in a row before introducing any new foods.”
A few helpful tips:
• Introduce one allergen at a time.
• Start by mixing a small amount into a familiar food.
• Offer it in the morning or at lunchtime.
• Monitor your baby for two hours afterwards for any adverse reactions.
Nurturing a love of food
Instead of forcing your baby to eat at set mealtimes, follow your baby’ s hunger cues.
“ Offer small amounts when they show interest, pause when they turn away, and let them guide the pace of mealtimes,” she adds.“ Try to offer a variety of foods earlier in life, and create a relaxed environment without pressure.”
It’ s important to follow the recommended guidelines when introducing solids:
• Around 6 months, start with one meal a day.
• By 7 – 8 months, increase to two meals a day.
• By 9 months, most babies will be ready for three meals a day.
Milestones are flexible since every baby develops at their own pace. The key is to follow your child’ s cues and adapt, rather than treating guidelines as rigid rules.
“ Ideally, any baby should be assessed by a healthcare worker, specifically, a paediatrician, before initiating solids – for many reasons,” says Dr Mpisane- Jama.“ This helps determine readiness to start solids, which also forms part of the developmental check-up whether the baby is healthy or unwell.”
Such assessments can help identify concerns early. Parents should also watch out for red flags such as:
• Refusal to eat or persistent gagging
• Vomiting after feeds
• Signs of allergies
Introducing solids is an exciting milestone, but it should be approached with patience, flexibility, and guidance. Every baby develops at their own pace, so while guidelines help, the key is to follow your child’ s cues and consult professionals when unsure. �
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