Transitioning to Solids
Introducing 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.
Preview
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.
If your baby is at high risk for food allergies, discuss a feeding strategy with your baby’ s health care provider before you start solids. Generally, it is recommended that you introduce foods one at a time to watch for reactions, and continue to introduce a variety of foods as you learn which are safe. Most food allergies in children are in the categories of eggs, milk, peanuts / tree nuts, fish / shellfish, soybeans and wheat. All babies should be at least one year old 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