How to Introduce Solid Food to a Baby
The time will eventually come when your infant will have to make the transition from milk formula to actual solid food. Some parents become used to this, but for some, knowing when and how to do it can be confusing. If you need help, here are several tips you might find useful.
What You’ll Need:
Solid foodstuffs fit for babies
Rubber-tipped feeding spoon
Highchair
Breast milk or baby milk formula
Small bowls
Look For Signs That He’s Ready
A baby can start feeding as early as four months old or as late as six months old. Aside from this age indicator, you should spot other signs that your darling is ready. Here are some things to look for:
Ability to sit up properly, with little or no help.
Head control. Your baby is able to keep his head in an upright and steady position.
Weight gain. When your child has doubled his birth weight or has reached 15 pounds or more.
Chewing movements. He can move food towards the back of the mouth then swallow it. There’s also signs of teething and less drooling.
Bigger appetite. Even with frequent milk feedings, he seems to want more.
Curiosity. He will start reaching for the food you’re eating.
One Food Item At A Time
You might be excited to start feeding your baby with all kinds of solid food, but it’s not a good idea. Take it slow, and introduce one kind of food at a time. You can start with gluten-free rice cereal, mixed with breast milk or formula milk. It’s less allergenic, but doesn’t deviate much from the taste your baby is used too.
The feeding should also be less during the first few times. Feed him solid food once a day at times when it’s most convenient for you. This will give him time to adjust and get used to the experience. Don’t force your baby to eat a lot of food immediately; let him practice.
Feed Him Properly
Unlike older kids, feeding babies take work and patience. It also requires proper knowledge, so you’ll avoid trouble. Here’s how to feed solid foods the right way.
Choose a good time of day to do the feeding, when your baby is in a good mood.
Prepare the food. Make sure there are no large bits and it’s mashed up well. Otherwise, you’ll put your child at a choking risk.
Prepare your baby. Put a bib around his neck, and sit him down in a highchair or on your lap.
Using a rubber-tipped spoon (to prevent hurting your child’s gums), scoop up a small amount of food. The spoon should just be halfway or 1/4 full. Hold it 10 inches away from your child’s mouth.
Wait for his reaction. If your baby’s hungry, he will open his mouth. Carefully transfer the food into his mouth, trying not to spill any.
Feed the baby as slowly or quickly as he wants. For the first few feedings, expect only a spoonful or two.
When your baby turns his head away, clamps his lips shut or dribbles the food down his chin, he’s done. Never force your child to eat more than he wants.
Introduce Other Solid Foods
When your child becomes used to the cereal mix, you can start introducing other food items into his diet, such as:
Iron-fortified cereal
Mashed up and pureed fruit or vegetables (squash, banana, carrots and potatoes)
Small amounts of protein, such as tofu, poultry, soft cheese and meat. This is ideal when your child is six months old or older.
There are also bottled and canned baby food that are just as nutritious and delicious. As you introduce various food types, your baby’s poo will change in color and odor, so don’t panic. You should also watch for signs of allergies.
Develop Good Eating Habits
Don’t overfeed your baby.
Avoid bribing or rewarding a child with food.
Don’t feed your child in front of the TV or while you’re outside.
Never force feed your baby food that he doesn’t like.
Avoid fast food.
Feeding solid food to your baby is a milestone any parent is proud of. Do this properly, and help your little angel grow up strong and healthy.