Starting your baby on solids doesn’t have to be a difficult and daunting task. It doesn’t have to be stressful but it is all about how you approach it. Many parents want to rush into it and start before the 6 month, but they do so at a great detriment to their child and increase the risk of allergies (as a child’s digestive system isn’t really ready until at least 6 months for solids which is shown by their interest in eating solids from 6 months and on).
Really, there is no rush and rushing because you worry that the task of starting solids is going to be frustration is silly too. It seems as though society has made any task involving kids one to be feared and one to stressful but it really doesn’t have to be that way.
First, it is really important to know that solids shouldn’t replace breastmilk. Solids are only meant to compliment breastmilk, as opposed to take over the full job of nutrition. A baby should still be allowed to feed on demand.
Secondly a child doesn’t have to go from no solids to 3 full meals within a week or so. If anything, many babies, if they choose themselves, may not even get to 3 full meals until well into the second year. You will also notice with babies and toddlers and children that they have days where they may eat lots and other days where they have no interest in food at all. This is the same with starting out. Some days your baby may eat a lot of solid food and others she or he may not have any at all. This is nothing to worry about, just go with the flow!
If, when starting out with solids your baby shows no interest, then don’t try to push it. They may not be emotionally ready, so you can leave it a week or two and try again then. For me, my son had very little solids between 6 and 14 months. He would, on some days, grab food from my hands, while most days be content with just breastmilk. It wasn’t until he reached 14 months that he started to have a more regular interest (and then daily interest) in solid foods. This isn’t abnormal if a child is allowed to choose when and how often they eat, however most parents worry and rush their child into eating 3 meals a day. Letting your child choose their own journey is much less stressful and hassle free as long as you have confidence and trust in your child knowing what is best for them and their ability to know when they are ready.
Lastly, when starting baby on solids, good solids to start out with are mashed banana, melon or sweet potato. Avocado mashed is also a great way to get some good fats into your baby. Start simple and don’t worry about variety to begin with. Introducing different foods slowly is always best.
For more articles on starting baby on solids or other general baby advice please see our main page: Cot Bed