Introducing Solids to Baby

As your baby nears 6 months old and their teeth begin to develop, it’s time to start thinking about feeding your baby solids. Introducing solids to baby is as important as your decision to breastfeed or formula feed because it can affect your baby’s development and growth. This article will give you the basics as you start the solid feeding journey, including when it’s time to introduce solids, what solids to start with, and the pros and cons of making homemade baby food.

Keep in mind that the time frame of starting solids for baby is very important to their continued growth and development. A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that optimal nutrition in the first two years of life is crucial to your baby’s brain development– which means that baby’s first solids play a pivotal role in the early stages of healthy growth. Specifically, vitamins A, D, B6 and B12, as well as zinc, iron, and folate are essential for your baby’s healthy brain development. Let’s get started by discussing when to introduce solids to baby, and by going over a few more baby feeding essentials for starting solids!

When to Introduce Solids to Baby

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies start eating solids when they are developmentally ready, usually around 4-6 months. There is no magic month or day to start. Follow these signs to know when your baby is ready to start eating “real” food:

• Head control: The first solids for baby should be considered only after they’ve gained proper head control. Your baby should be able to sit upright in a high chair or feeding chair with good, self-supportive head and neck stability.

• Food cues: Knowing when to introduce solids to baby is even easier once baby starts expressing interest in wanting food more often. Your baby might be watching you eat, reaching for your food, or opening his/her mouth - all signs your baby might be ready to eat!

• Tongue thrust: Baby’s first solids require a lot of movement in and around the mouth. Babies are usually ready for solids when they can successfully transfer food from the spoon into the back of their mouth. Be prepared; starting a baby on solids is MESSY! If your baby is dribbling too much, maybe wait a week or two and try again.

• Baby’s weight: In general, babies double their weight by about 4 months of age. The average weight of babies starting solid foods is somewhere around 13 pounds.

Sponsored by:

Dr. Jacqueline Winkelmann, Pediatrician and Former Chair of the Children’s Hospital of Orange County

Best Foods to Start Baby on Solids

For most babies, it doesn’t matter what food you start with when learning how to introduce solids to baby. Many moms start with a single-grain cereal followed by a pureed fruit or vegetable. Once your baby learns to eat one food, it’s okay to introduce him or her to another food. It’s recommended to only give your baby one food at a time and wait a few days to make sure she has no food allergies indicated by allergic reactions like diarrhea, a rash, or vomiting. This helps determine which first solids for baby cooperate best with your baby’s digestion and health. If you think your baby has an allergic reaction to a food, talk to your pediatrician. Here are a few other pointers for starting baby on solids:

• It doesn’t matter if you start with a fruit or vegetable. Though pediatrician opinions might vary on this, there is no evidence that a baby will develop a dislike for vegetables if you start with fruit as your first solid for baby. What’s most important is that your baby has a balanced diet.

• If you use dry baby cereal, add breast milk, formula or water to it and make sure it’s fortified with iron. Starting baby on solids can be simple while still providing the nutrients needed for development!

• It’s okay to introduce some potentially allergenic foods, such as eggs, dairy, peanuts, or soy around 4-6 months of age. Be aware of any allergic reactions and make sure you introduce only one food at a time. Noting which of baby’s first solids agree with them the most and least helps parents plan for the future of their baby’s diet and development. 

• You can also introduce soft finger foods once your baby starts bringing his or her hands or other objects to her mouth. Baby feeding essentials for starting solids even come down to texture! Make sure anything you give your baby is soft, easy to swallow and cut into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. Great examples of foods to try include scrambled eggs, well-cooked pasta, finely chopped chicken, cut-up potatoes, peas, or small pieces of banana.

Pros and Cons of Homemade Baby Food

When it comes to introducing solids to your baby, homemade baby food offers a wealth of benefits that can give your little one a healthy start. One of the biggest advantages is knowing exactly what goes into your baby’s meals. By making baby food at home, you can avoid preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, and added sugars often found in store-bought options, all of which can be harmful to your baby’s development. This control over ingredients ensures that your baby is getting the purest and most nutritious foods possible.

Additionally, making homemade baby food can be surprisingly easy, especially if you have the right tools. With appliances like our One Step Food Maker Deluxe, the process is incredibly convenient. This machine automatically steams and blends baby food with just the touch of a button, meaning you can have freshly made, nutritious meals for your baby in minutes.

Another significant benefit of making baby food at home is the potential for savings. Homemade baby food can save you hundreds of dollars compared to purchasing pre-made options from the store. These savings add up quickly, making it not just a healthy choice but an economical one as well. 

However, it’s important to acknowledge that making homemade baby food isn’t without its challenges. It does require some time and effort, especially in the beginning as you get used to the process. Additionally, ensuring a balanced diet with the right variety of foods and nutrients might take some planning. But with the right approach and tools, these challenges are easily manageable, and the benefits far outweigh the cons. So, as you begin the journey of introducing solids to your baby, we recommend that all moms try making homemade baby food – it’s a practice that pays off in more ways than one.