Levi KeswickCongratulations on your new arrival! As a first-time parent, you may be wondering when to start implementing solid foods into your baby’s diet. Every baby is different and you should consult with your pediatrician to see what is best for your child. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of introducing solid foods into your baby’s diet and provide some tips to make the process go smoothly.
1. A good chair for BLW
If you are planning on doing baby-led weaning (BLW), then you will need to invest in a good highchair. A lot of parents choose to get a convertible highchair that can be used as a regular chair when their child gets older. When looking for a highchair, make sure that it is sturdy and has a wide base so that it doesn’t tip over easily. The seat should also be comfortable and have a padded backrest for your baby’s comfort. A good high chair for baby-led weaning will make meal time a lot more enjoyable for both you and your baby. Some other things to consider when choosing a highchair are the height and depth of the seat, as well as the footrest. You want to make sure that your baby can sit comfortably.
2. What type of food to start with
Once you have a good highchair, it’s time to start thinking about what type of food to introduce. It is generally recommended to start with single-ingredient foods that are soft and easy to mash. The good first food is a mashed banana or avocado. You can also try cooked carrots, sweet potato, or squash. Once your baby gets used to these basic foods, you can start introducing other fruits and vegetables. Start with one new food at a time so that you can watch for any allergies. When introducing new foods, it is also important to watch for signs of constipation. If your baby seems uncomfortable or has hard stools, talk to your pediatrician about adding more fiber-rich foods.
3. How to prepare the food
When you are ready to start feeding your baby, it is important to have the food prepared correctly. For mashed foods, you will want to use a fork or potato masher to mash the food until it is smooth. You can also add some breast milk or formula to make the food thinner and easier for your baby to eat. If you are giving your baby finger foods, make sure that they are cut into small pieces and that there are no sharp edges. It is also important that the food is cooked all the way through so that there is no risk of choking. When in doubt, err on the side of overcooking rather than undercooking. It can be helpful to have a food processor on hand to make meal prep easier.
4. How to introduce the food
Once the food is prepared, it’s time to start feeding your baby. If you are doing baby-led weaning, put the food in front of your baby and let them feed itself. If you are spoon-feeding, put a small amount of food on the spoon and offer it to your baby. Remember to go slowly and give your baby time to adjust to the new texture and taste. It is also important to watch for signs that your baby is full. If they turn their head away or close their mouth, they are probably done eating. When in doubt, trust your baby’s cues and let them eat as much or as little as they want. There is no need to force them to eat.
5. What to do if your baby doesn’t like the food
If your baby doesn’t seem to be enjoying the new food, don’t worry. Just try again another time. Some babies need to try food several times before they start to like it. You can also try adding some flavor to the food by mixing in some breast milk or formula. Sometimes, all it takes is a little patience and perseverance to get your baby to eat solid foods. Also, keep in mind that it is normal for babies to reject new foods. It doesn’t mean that they don’t like the food, it just means that they are trying to figure out what it is. When in doubt, talk to your pediatrician about how to get your baby to eat solid foods.
Feeding solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone! By following these tips, you can make sure that the process goes smoothly for both you and your baby. Do you have any other tips for introducing solid foods? Share them in the comments below. Happy eating!
