Making the Transition to Solid Foods: how to know when your baby is ready and what foods you should consider offering first

One of the first big transitions your baby will make is the switch from breast or bottle feeding to eating solid food. This transition can be tricky business; it can be hard to know when to make the switch and which foods to start with. Here’s a quick guide on signs your baby may be ready for solids and foods to try when he is.

1.     Always start with your pediatrician
The rule of thumb is that babies are ready to start trying solid foods sometime between four and six months; however, that timeline can vary greatly depending on each baby’s specific needs. So always be sure to talk to your doctor for the best advice on when it’s time to add solids to your baby’s diet.

2.     Signs your baby is ready for solid foods
As we said, most babies are ready to try solid foods between four and six months. When your baby starts exhibiting these signs, it’s time to talk to your doctor about adding solids to his diet.

·      He can sit up, and he controls his head and neck while sitting.

·      She watches what you’re eating, and she may try to grab a bite for herself!

·      If you put a spoon near her lips, she tries to “eat” from it.

·      He’s losing the “tongue thrust” and doesn’t use his tongue to push a spoon away from his mouth.

3.     Good first foods
So your baby is ready for solids! Now, what do you serve? Many moms start by adding rice or oatmeal baby cereal to breast milk or formula and then introducing baby food later. Your doctor can help you make the best decision for your child.

When you are ready to add baby food, you have lots of options. You can buy baby food from the store or make your own by pureeing vegetables and fruits. Some doctors suggest introducing vegetables first and fruits later so babies don’t get used to the sweets first. Some popular options are

• Orange vegetables like sweet potatoes, squash, and carrots

• Green vegetables including peas, green beans, and avocados

• Fruits such as apples, pears, and bananas

4.     Be patient
Remember this transition is huge for your baby! Not only is she learning to use a spoon, but also she’s experiencing new textures and flavors. Start by offering your baby about half a teaspoon of a new food. Don’t get frustrated if she refuses the spoon even after several tries. And it’s ok if she doesn’t ingest much food at first either. She’ll get the nourishment she needs from continued breast or bottle feeding while she gets used to solids.

Be patient, and don’t show frustration. Act like it’s no big deal when she spits out the spoon or her food. And know there will be a mess! Don’t get upset when more food is on the high chair or plate than in her mouth. If she sees you get discouraged, it may make her resent mealtimes. Simply keep trying. Give her the bottle or breast first then try the spoon again. She’ll eventually catch on.

5.     Keep trying new foods 
After your baby gets used to the spoon, it’s time to focus on flavor. Give him the same food for about three or four days before switching to another. This strategy gives him time to get used to a new taste and gives you time to watch for any potential allergic reaction like a rash, diarrhea, vomiting, or wheezing.

And remember it can take many times for babies to like a particular food. Their taste buds are changing, and each new flavor is surprising to them at first. So don’t give up on green beans just because he spits them out the first day or two. Keep trying, and eventually he’ll develop a liking for new flavors.

Before you know it, your baby will be enjoying many new foods and preparing to add new – and chunkier – foods. Your doctor will help you determine when it’s time to move to thicker foods like yogurt or mashed banana or soft puffed foods he can pick up himself and chew.

Be sure to have regular, routine check-ups at the doctor with your little one to ensure she is on a good nutritional track. Remember to be patient and, of course, enjoy this time of transition for your little one! 

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