Parenting and Kids

In light of new research, organizations such as The American Academy of Pediatrics, Health Canada, and the World Health Organization now recommend delaying introduction of solid foods until 6 months of age. Only a few years ago doctors often advised starting solid foods at 4 months. A generation ago, many infants were given solids as early as 6-8 weeks. Fortunately, for today’s babies, we now know better thanks to the many studies which have shown introducing solid foods too early can lead to decreased immunity, impaired digestive function, food allergies, and an increase in both diabetes and obesity.

Many parents, and grandparents who put pressure on parents, fear their baby isn’t getting enough nutrients without solid foods. However the truth is that, ounce for ounce, breast milk and formula have higher caloric, nutrient, and fat content than all other foods. Consequently, there is nothing to be concerned about.

Signs that a Baby is Ready for Solids

Waiting until your baby shows specific signs of being ready for solids is a good idea. The signs to look for are:

They’ve doubled their birth weight, or weigh about 15 lbs
They can sit up on their own
They can move their tongue from side to side
They seem interested in food
They seem hungrier between their current feedings

What to Serve

The debate about starting with fruits and vegetables or cereals still wages, with good arguments on both sides. Truthfully, both are healthy choices, so either direction is good. There are, however, some practical advantages to starting with cereals. Initially, cereals can be diluted so the consistency resembles breast milk or formula. Keep in mind consistency is very important to most babies and they may reject a food simply based on this factor. Cereals also tend to have a milder taste than fruits or vegetables, and may be easier for a baby to accept. Finally, breast milk or formula is often used to prepare cereals. This allows baby to detect something familiar in the mixture.

Preparing Cereal

Use breast milk, formula or purified water (warm) as the liquid
Start with a very thin consistency – slightly thicker than milk
Thicken gradually over time
Start with 1/8 teaspoon at a time and increase according to baby’s interest

Fruits and Vegetables

If you are more inclined to start with fruits or vegetables, good first choices are: bananas, avocados, sweet potato, squash, or cooked apples and pears. Puree these foods in the early stages to ensure the texture is more palatable. As your baby becomes more comfortable with the eating process, you may want to experiment with lumpier consistencies, perhaps mashing instead of pureeing foods.

Things to keep in mind when introducing solids:

Introduce new foods slowly to observe possible allergies, only every 4 days. Reactions may include: diaper rash or any other rash, runny nose, watery eyes, irritability, lethargy, or hyperactive behavior.
Start with one solid feeding a day. Once baby is eating a fair amount at breakfast (1-2 Tbsp) add a second feeding at dinnertime.
Do not force foods. If your child is not receptive, leave it for another day.
Keep it simple – only 1 food per meal for the first 6-8 weeks is sufficient
Between 6-8 months attempt feedings 2-3 times a day
Use only whole grain cereal such as brown rice, oats or barley
Whenever possible, buy organic fruits and vegetables to avoid pesticide exposure

Keep in mind, when introducing solids, the initial goal is to get your baby used to the idea of food and eating, and not necessarily to get large amounts of food into their mouth. During the first few months, your baby should still be getting the majority of nutrients from breastfeeding or formula.

Foods to Avoid Until After 12 Months:

Avoid dairy, wheat, fish, egg whites, soy products, nuts, and citrus fruits until baby’s first birthday. These foods are the most common food allergens and introducing them too early in susceptible children may lead to the development of allergies.

It is also wise to avoid honey during the first year due to the risk of botulism. (Botulism is a food poisoning caused by toxins produced by the bacteria “Clostridium”.)

The introduction of solids is an exciting time for baby, one of discovery and development. Enjoy the process with your child by removing any pressure or expectations. The more relaxed you make the ritual of eating, right from the start, the more relaxed your child will likely be with the process too.