When and how to start solids: a guide for new parents

Starting solids is a significant milestone in your baby’s first year, marking a new chapter in their growth and development. However, it can also be a confusing and overwhelming time for many parents, with so much conflicting advice floating around! In this blog post, I'll address common concerns and provide clear guidance on starting solids.

When to Start Solids

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends introducing solids at around six months of age. However, because each baby develops at their own pace, it's important to look for specific developmental signs of readiness rather than strictly adhering to a specific age. Here are the key milestones to watch for:

1. Good Head and Neck Control: Your baby should be able to hold their head and neck up steadily. This control is crucial for safe swallowing.

2. Ability to Sit Up with Minimal Assistance: Your baby should be able to sit upright with minimal support for the duration of the meal. This position helps prevent choking and allows your baby to swallow more effectively.

3. Interest in Food: Look for signs that your baby is curious about what you’re eating. Do they watch you intently during meals, try to grab your food, or mimic chewing motions? These are strong indicators of readiness.

4. Hand-to-Mouth Coordination: Your baby should be able to reach out, grab objects, and bring them to their mouth. This skill is important for self-feeding.

Make sure bub shows all these signs, not just one or two, because together they will indicate bub's digestive system is mature enough to handle new foods safely.

How to Start Solids

Once you've determined that your baby is ready, the next step is deciding how to introduce solids. There are several methods, and choosing the right one depends on your baby's needs and your family’s preferences. You're probably familiar with the most commoner approaches:

1. Baby-Led Weaning (BLW): This method allows babies to feed themselves right from the start. Instead of purees, you offer soft, finger-sized pieces of food that your baby can pick up and eat on their own. BLW encourages independence and helps develop fine motor skills.

2. Purees: This method involves spoon-feeding your baby smooth or mashed foods. Purees can be made from a variety of fruits, vegetables, meats and grains. This method is great for parents who prefer to control the texture and consistency of the food.

3. Combination Feeding: Many parents opt for a mix of baby-led weaning and purees. This approach allows flexibility and can be tailored to your baby’s preferences and developmental stage.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

1. Start simple. Common first foods include roasted vegetables (like sweet potatoes or carrots) and soft fruits (such as bananas or avocados).

2. Keep up your breastfeeding or formula. Solids should complement, not replace, milk feeds, which remains your baby’s primary source of nutrition until their first birthday.

3. Be Patient! Some babies may take to solids quickly, while others need more time. It’s normal for babies to play with their food and explore different textures before they start eating consistently!

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed with so many choices and methods. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What matters most is finding what works best for you and your baby.

If you’re unsure or want personalized advice, consider booking a 1:1 consultation session with me. I can help with anything you've got questions about and tailor a feeding plan that meets your baby’s unique needs. Email me at lisa.nourishingmoments@gmail.com too book.