Taking baby's first bite: an overview on introducing solids

The importance of solid foods for baby’s growth and development

As your baby matures, their nutritional needs grow too. Essential nutrients like iron and zinc, which are crucial for growth and development, are required in greater quantities. While babies rely on their iron stores from the womb for the first 6 months, complemented by breastmilk or infant formula, these stores diminish over time. By about 6 months, it is recommended that babies need to start consuming solid food.

Remember it’s not just about nutrition. As babies explore the world of solids, they are learning about new tastes and textures, developing their dental and jaw structures, and even honing skills necessary for language development.

Is your baby ready for solid foods? Here’s how to tell

Before you break out the bibs and highchair, it’s essential to make sure your baby is ready for this big step. Don’t worry though – your baby will give you tell-tale signs when they’re ready to start solids:

1. They can sit up (somewhat) independently and have good neck control.
2. They’ve lost the ‘tongue-thrust’ reflex (If you put something in their mouth, they will stick out their tongue in an effort to remove it). This means your baby can move food from the front of their mouth to the back for swallowing.
3. They show curiosity in your food or seem to be eyeing your plate with interest.
4. They display chewing motions. You will be sure to notice when they start chewing on random objects.
5. They are able to bring toys to their mouth. If they have the capability of bringing toys to their mouth, they can also bring food there with some practice.

The best time to introduce solids to your baby’s diet

The 4-6-month mark is generally recommended for introducing solids, every baby is different so look for the signs. For the optimal time of day to introduce solids, consider a period when your baby is relaxed and not too hungry. Perhaps, mid-mornings or afternoons, after a milk feed, are often ideal. Remember, this is a learning journey full of fun and not solely about nutrition.

First foods to introduce on your baby’s solid food journey

Begin with single-ingredient foods to monitor potential allergies. Some great first foods to introduce include:

1. Iron-fortified baby cereals, such as oatmeal, rice, or barley (we started on the 6-month mark)
2. Single-ingredient pureed fruits and veggies – avocados, bananas, sweet potatoes, and peas are all excellent starters.
3. Single-ingredient soft, easily grasped pieces of fruits and veggies. Ensure they are cut into small pieces or mashed.
4. Protein powerhouses like pureed meats, lentils, or tofu.

Solids and serving sizes

In the early stages of introducing solids, start with 1-2 teaspoons of food once a day or 1-2 pieces of soft, easy-grasped fruit or veggies. Remember, the initial goal is to acquaint your baby with the concept of eating, not to fill them up.

Gradually increase the amount based on your baby’s appetite and cues, and as they become more accustomed to the tastes and textures, you can add more food to their plate.

The continuing role of breastmilk and infant formula during solids introduction

Breastmilk or infant formula continues to be a crucial part of your baby’s diet until at least 12 months. As you introduce solids, your baby will start to have more solids and less milk or formula, but the pace can vary.

By about 9 months, most babies have mastered the chewing and swallowing skills to switch from having milk before solids to having milk after solids.

During this transition phase, make sure your baby is getting the right balance of nutrition from both solids and milk or formula. You’ll know your baby is getting the right nutrition if they:

• Have plenty of wet diapers – at least 6-8 wet cloth diapers or 5 heavily wet disposables in 24 hours.
• Appear alert and happy after and between feeds.
• Continue gaining weight appropriately.

Solids should take precedence in your baby’s diet after the 12-month mark, and while infant formula becomes unnecessary, breastfeeding can continue for as long as you and your baby are comfortable.

Some foods to be mindful of when introducing solids

While starting solids is an exciting time, remember to be careful with certain foods:

• Honey: This should be avoided until your baby is at least one year old due to botulism risks.
• Cow’s Milk: This shouldn’t replace breastmilk or formula as a drink until your baby is one year old. However, it can be used in small quantities in cooking.
• Choking hazards: Be mindful of whole nuts, grapes, and popcorn, which pose a choking risk.