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Starting Solids

Baby's First Solids
by Jessica Williams

Most parents are anxious to give their baby a taste of new foods. If you have ever seen a baby react to the sweet taste of a banana or the tartness of a raspberry, you understand the excitement most parents feel when introducing solids to their child's diet. A child who is breastfed has the opportunity to sample different flavors through mom's breastmilk, but it isn't quite the same as taking a bite of mashed sweet potato!

But introducing solids to a baby needs careful consideration in addition to a fun attitude. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least one full year of life to help a baby develop and grow properly, and not to introduce juice, water and solid foods before the sixth month. Breastmilk provides antibodies against illness and allergies, so the less breastmilk a baby receives, the less protection he has. Although the sixth month is generally the month many pediatricians tell parents to start giving solids, many nutritionists and breastfeeding experts recommend waiting until your baby shows signs of interest.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least one full year of life to help a baby develop and grow properly, and not to introduce juice, water and solid foods before the sixth month.

It is also important to remember that breastmilk will still make up the majority of baby's diet for the first year, and introducing solids may decrease feedings at the breast. This is something that should be watched, but naturally weaning from some feedings each month is normal. Just remember that complete nutrition comes from the breastmilk baby receives during the introduction stage of solid foods. So what are some sign of readiness? Each baby is different, but here are some clues to look for:

  • An increased interest in what mom, dad or sibling is eating. Baby often shows interest in other people's food by intensely watching someone eat, making cooing noises or fidgeting when he sees food, and trying to grab food from your plate or hand. Lots of babies are more interested in the utensils you are using rather than the actual food, so let baby play with infant spoons or a plastic bowl while you eat. This will also help baby get used to handling these items.

  • Baby can sit without support. Let baby try sitting in a high chair with some toys to see how well he balances himself with a tray in front of him. Be sure to strap him in securely every time he is in the highchair.

  • His need to nurse increases. Babies go through growth spurts before the sixth month, so be careful not to confuse a temporary growth spurt with an increased appetite that comes on gradually. Once you have seen your baby develop a more frequent nursing pattern at about six months of age, you can assume he would like more food added to his diet.

Once you have noticed signs of readiness, experiment with a little sample of solids. Perhaps the best foods to begin with are whole-grain cooked cereals (see recipe below) or smashed bananas. Give your baby a taste of one of these foods and see how he reacts. If he seems to be upset with your attempts, try again in a few days. But most likely, he will be excited with the new flavors and textures.

Solid foods should be introduced one at a time. This is done to determine if your baby has any allergies or sensitivities. Some babies may spit up after eating certain foods, or may become constipated or fussy. This may be an indicator that a particular food should be excluded from his diet for a while, until his body is ready. A good rule of thumb is to introduce a new food each week. This also means mixed foods, like stews, soups and pastas with sauce should be avoided until each main ingredients are tolerable to baby. For example, once baby has had plain egg noodles, tomatoes and beef separately, a light spaghetti could be introduced.

Most importantly, remember that babies need complete nutrition from breastmilk or formula first. The AAP states that solids are complementary to the breastfed diet until after the first year. Babies love to experiment with new foods. Keep the introduction process fun and interesting, while taking it slow, and your child will be on his way to a healthy diet of solid foods.

Recipe

Instead of buying processed, just-add-water cereals for your baby, try making your own! Whole grain cereals are healthier for baby, and most don't take too long to prepare. Here is a simple way to make your own oatmeal:

1/2 c. rolled oats
11/4 c. water or nut milk

Put the water in a pot, then add the oats. Bring the liquid close to a boil while stirring.

Turn the heat off, cover the pot, and let the oatmeal cook in its own steam till soft (about 10 minutes). This process is similar to making instant rice. Flavor the oatmeal with a little expressed breastmilk or formula, if desired. Be sure oatmeal is not too hot when served.

Makes 1 cup.

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