When is the best time to
introduce solid foods to your baby? This is one of the most frequently asked
questions that first time mothers ask on their pediatricians. 23 years ago, I
also have asked the same question not to my baby’s doctor but to my mom. My
two sons who are now 23 and 14 years old began to eat solid foods at 4 months
old.
Normally for healthy
babies, the recommended time you can
start introducing solids little by little is at 4 to 6 months old.
However, most studies shown that it’s not about the age, there are cases
wherein a four month old baby is still not ready to eat solid foods, therefore
it is still best advised to consult your pediatrician.
There are several clues
and signs to watch for which can tell baby’s readiness for solid foods such as:
- Your baby makes chewing
motions
- He can hold his head up
and can be able sit well in a high chair
- Shows interest in food
- Your baby is teething
- Seems hungry and not
satisfied after several feedings of breast milk or formula in a day
Begin introducing solid
foods by mixing about 1 teaspoon of pureed food with his formula or breast
milk. Increasing the amount little by little from once a day feeding to twice a
day. When giving cereal, start with a runny consistency at first then gradually
thicken the mixture by using less liquid until your baby gets used to the new
texture.
It is also best advised
to use a baby teaspoon and never use a metal teaspoon for babies has the tendency
to bite on his spoon and metal teaspoons can injure or hurt their gums. Also be
very careful when feeding, give only a very small amount that he can swallow
and chew easily to avoid choking. There are times that he would spit out the
food especially if he does not like the taste, be patient. You can try giving
the same food some other day until he gets used to different tastes.
It will be healthier to
make your own pureed food such as sweet potatoes, squash, apples and bananas
instead of buying the ready made versions. Make sure to choose on semi-liquid
iron-fortified infant rice cereals when buying. As babies will only partially
eat the introductory solid foods it is still advised to keep going with breast
milk or formula.
Health experts advise to
delay giving your babies foods like
peanuts, eggs, fish and other highly
allergenic foods until age 2 or 3 especially if you have a family history of
allergies. Moreover, pediatricians also advise not to give honey until 2 or 3
years old because of a possible botulism risk that a baby's developing immune
system can't fend off.
Do not force your baby
to eat a whole lot in the beginning, being fed by a spoon is a new experience
to your baby, focus on practicing him to get used to the spoon and the feel of
having solid food in his mouth. If your
baby turns his head away, zip his lips tightly or swats at the spoon, it means
that he is done eating.
Photo credits:
theinteriorlife.org
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