Is there a right answer to the question, “When should my baby start solids?” While every baby is different, and every mum (and dad) needs to make the decision they feel is right for their child, there are generally accepted guidelines and tell-tale signs that the first spoonful of fruit, vegies or Farex may not be far away.
When To Start Solids
The advice given to Australian mums and dads about when to introduce a baby to solids, is to wait until he is about six months old – before then, all your baby needs is breast milk or formula. But as your child reaches six months, he’ll have better upper body and head control (so he can sit unsupported), and he’ll lose his tongue-thrust reflex, meaning he’s less likely to push out a spoon loaded with food. You’ve also probably noticed that your baby is a lot more interested in what’s going on around him these days, and very curious about what you’re eating (and he isn’t)!
First Foods For Babies
There isn’t any prescribed order for starting solids, but certain foods are always more popular than others. Some experts recommend introducing one new food every few days, so you can keep a close eye on which foods may not agree with your baby (make a note of tummy upsets, changes in bowel movements, skin or nappy rashes and other signs).
If you’re looking for ideas on where to begin, try these first foods:
- Rice cereal
- Cooked and pureed apple or pear
- Mashed banana or avocado
- Cooked and pureed pumpkin or carrot
- Yoghurt (mix it with pureed fruit or vegies)
- Cooked and pureed lean red meat (the new Australian guidelines stress the important of high-iron first foods for babies)
- Cooked and pureed lentils
Remember: smooth, thin purees are considered one of the best ways to start your baby on solids, but when your baby is ready, do move on to mashed foods with a bit more texture, to encourage him to try new foods. Likewise, keep variety in mind and offer new foods and flavours to set the foundations for adventurous eating!
Does My Baby Still Need Milk Feeds?
The World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding up to age two and beyond. If your baby is on formula, it remains an important part of her diet up to 12 months of age, when you can then introduce cow’s milk, if you like.
Clever Qubies: While you’re in the first foods stage, defrost 30ml Qubies cubes of frozen breast milk and use it to make your baby’s cereal, or thin out fruit and vegie purees!