Introducing Solids
Transitioning to Solids
Breast milk provides all of the nutrition and liquids that baby needs from birth until about six to nine months , when you can begin to gradually introduce other foods . Breast milk continues to be baby ’ s primary source of nutrition for the first year of life as you add solid foods to their diet . Transitioning from milk to solid foods should be done following baby ’ s lead and paying attention to their signs of readiness . Start by introducing one solid at a time at one meal per day and then build from there .
When to Start
Babies are ready for solid foods at different ages , but most babies are ready to begin between six and nine months . Signs of readiness include showing interest in foods and sitting unassisted . Baby should not push food or a spoon out of their mouth , should be able to chew food , and should have developed the ability to hold small pieces of food between their index finger and thumb . The number of teeth a baby has does not necessarily reflect their readiness for solids .
Which Foods First
Many parents begin by mixing small amounts of puréed foods with breast milk . Others simply mash bits of food from their dinner or use store-bought baby food . Some popular first foods include steamed carrots , avocados , bananas , pears , baby cereals , or other fruits and vegetables . Foods that are harder to digest , such as eggs , soy , and cheese / dairy , should be introduced when baby is closer to a year . A variety of commercial baby foods are available in various stages of texture , but parents may also opt to make their own baby foods .
Baby-Led Weaning
Some parents choose to adopt an approach called baby-led weaning , which involves letting baby use their fingers and eat by hand rather than puréed foods that a parent feeds to baby . Proponents of baby-led weaning emphasize paying close attention to baby ’ s signs of readiness , making meals a positive experience , and taking advantage of baby ’ s natural stages of development , such as grasping and bringing food to their mouth .
Preview
If your family has a history of food allergies , discuss a feeding strategy with your baby ’ s health care provider . Generally , it is recommended that you introduce foods one at a time and wait a week or more to watch for reactions . All babies should be at least a year before being given cow ’ s milk , honey , candy or chocolate . In addition , babies younger than one year do not need water . Too much water fills up the stomach , causing baby to breastfeed less . This can lead to weight loss or a dangerous imbalance in sodium levels . Small sips of water can be given once baby is consuming solids , but breast milk is a better choice for satisfying thirst and keeping baby hydrated .
Breastfeeding Your Baby 21