Every mum looks forward to different milestones in their babies. From babies being able to do push-ups, raise their heads, sit, smile or even coo. Starting solids is a huge milestone for both mums and babies.
Here’s everything you need to know about when to start, what to start with, and more.
1. Your baby must be at least 4-6 months old
Before your baby is 4 months old, the only suitable kind of food is liquid (breast milk or formula). Your baby is nowhere near ready for solids.
2. Your baby must have good head control and sit upright (independently or supported)
Your baby should be a sitter or at least a supported sitter before you introduce solids and he should have a good head control.
3. Your baby should be interested in what you are eating
Your baby should watch you swallow every spoon longingly or drag your plates. If your baby has no interest in your plate of food, he is probably not ready for solids.
4. Your baby gets hungry quickly after each milk feed.
If after a full feed, your baby shows hunger signs again over and over, then he is ready to move to solids.
5. Stage 1 solid: Puree
The stage 1 food for babies is the puree. Blend apples or bananas for your baby in the early days of solids. Those are easy to digest fruits and less likely to cause allergies. Here are ideas you can explore.
6. Start with single meals
Start with rice cereal, the grain least likely to cause allergies. Then gradually introduce your baby to other cereals like wheat, oat and barley or mixed cereals. Each time you let your baby sample a new food, wait at least three days before introducing another one in case of reactions and allergies. mix formula or pour breast milk in baby’s bowl before adding the cereal.
7. Continue with formula or breast milk
Please note mum, cereal should supplement formula or breast milk and not replace it.
