For parents one of the major objectives is to start solid food of a baby’s first year. The parents goal is to make the baby’s food is healthy and digestive.
The best time to start solids for infants is after 6 months. There are many sources recommend introduction of solids in between 3 to 4 months. However, an early giving of solids can cause digestive problems and allergies.
Generally, babies digestive enzymes develop in 4 to 6 months are important for the digestion of food. It is good to wait till your baby develops these enzymes fully.
Normally, a baby start developing head control from 3 to 4 months and strengthens the neck muscles by 6 months. A strong head and neck control help the baby accept the solids and can be easily swallowed.
Thus, infants have better digestive system and good head control before the introduction of solids at 6 months.
Breast milk is best for the complete development of the baby. Breastfeeding a child is recommended only for the first 6 months.
As an exception, formula milk is a good option for a woman who cannot breastfeed a child for professional, personal and medical reasons.
How do you know that your baby is ready for solids ?
- The baby’s head and neck are stable. It means that baby can digest and swallow food.
- Baby can also sit without support.
- Interest in food is seen when others are eating.
- Baby should be able to open mouth while feeding.
- If even after breast feeding and formula feed, the child is hungry.
Tips on how to start giving solids to baby
Consult with your pediatrician first to find out if your baby is ready for solids. It is very important to plan before feeding any foods other than breast milk.
Create your own feeding schedule with their foods that you try and get advice from your pediatrician. Most clinics and hospitals provide a diet chart.
Here are some guidelines for baby’s food
- Always start with only one meal first. Either give a fruit, vegetable or grain. Avoid mixing vegetable or cereal foods. You should start with mashed fruits first, because of the presence of digestive enzymes in the fruit, it helps the babies to digest better.
- After feeding the fruit for a week, you can start rice water (kanji), after a week you can give dal soup or boiled vegetable broth / water.
- Always wait 3 days for every meal served, wait for the results till the 4th day. Please see a doctor immediately if your child has rashes, runny nose and eye irritation etc.
- Give your child new foods at breakfast or lunch. Avoid giving it for dinner or at bedtime. This will especially help you check for food allergies or discomfort.
- A 7-month-old baby may initially eat only one teaspoon of food. Gradually increase the quantity to 4 weeks and then increase tbsp.
- Baby food should be soft, cooked properly and easy to swallow.
- Always feed your child freshly cooked food.
- Do not add salt, sugar, honey to your baby’s food.
- Forcibly don’t feed your child. The solids intake will increase gradually.
I am remembering an old saying “I always wondered why babies spend so much time sucking their thumbs. Then I tasted baby food”.
Hope these tips will help you for your baby food journey. So be careful, while choosing food to feed babies. Follow the diet chart given by your pediatrician and grown up your baby strong.