Providing your baby with solids is a big step forwards and this will happen when they’re about 6 months old. Knowing how to wean or introduce solid foods to your baby can be tricky. This article is going to look at some simple ways you can do this.
Before we get into the nitty gritty of how to introduce solids in your baby’s diet, it’s important to know that waiting can actually be more beneficial. Breast milk is the ideal source of nutrients and antibodies and although your baby might seem ready for solid foods, waiting a little longer allows them to be healthier and more prepared against viruses and infections.
If you’re unsure as to whether you should be introducing solid foods to your baby, speak to your doctor.
Be patient
It’s no good forcing your baby to eat solid foods. It’s new and unusual so potentially off-putting. If they’re not interested this time round, then wait until the next feeding and try again. Likewise, don’t be shocked if your baby decides to spit it out – this is a whole new experience for them and it may take a while to get used to it.
To start with it might seem like your baby isn’t eating very much – perhaps only one or two spoonfuls – but this will change with time and patience. Allow them to eat as much or as little as they want and soon you’ll find their appetite growing.
Types of food
You probably know that you’re baby is unable to go from breastmilk to a full meal straight away and so the solid food you should be introducing needs to be quite specific. Try starting with some mashed or pureed fruit or vegetables.
When to feed them
If you’re trying to introduce solid foods to your baby then you should be doing so alongside their normal feeds. You can try solid foods before, after or even during a feed, depending on which is easier.
How to do it
Make sure you always use a soft plastic spoon when feeding your baby solid foods as this will prevent damage to the gums. And when you do introduce food this way, be sure not to heap lots on to the spoon but just have a small amount on the end.
Introduce solid foods to your baby one at a time. Although it can be tempting to encourage a wide palate by introducing a number of different foods, you need to take things slow and allow them to get used to each food before introducing another.
Things to remember
- Feeding your baby from a bowl is preferable as when you feed them from a jar, the bacteria from their mouth will make its way into the remaining food and therefore you won’t be able to store it after they’ve finished eating – if you do feed via this method be sure to throw the jar away.
- Don’t force your baby to eat and learn to see the signs of when they’re full:
- Leaning back in the chair
- Turning their head away
- Playing with the spoon
- Refusing to open their mouth for the next bite
Resources:
https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/first-foods
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/Pages/solid-foods-weaning.aspx
http://www.babycentre.co.uk/x1051553/how-should-i-introduce-solids
https://www.babycenter.com/0_introducing-solids_113.bc
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