How2 Know when Baby is ready for solids

There is no right age when to start solids as every baby is different. There is no need to rush weaning early and definitely not before 4 months; it is usually between 4 and 6 months though. Just because the Jones' baby has begun solids is no reason for you to do the same.

 

Here are some clues to a child's readiness for solid food.

• 
  
  He can sit up with assistance
• 
  
  His weight has doubled since birth
• 
  
  He is hungry after his regular nursing sessions (6 to 8 times a day).

Simple rules to feed by:

• Feed only breast milk or formula as the primary source of nutrition for the first year - no cow's milk until after 1 year
• Introduce some solids around 4-6 months (see above). This will teach baby the skills necessary to chew, eat and become familiar with different tastes and textures.
• Add a good source of iron by 6 months (iron-fortified cereal, red meat)
• Serve solid food pureed or mashed
• Avoid hard round foods to avoid choking
• Do not add salt or sugar to meals
• Serve food warmed to body temperature
• Limit juices to 4-6 ounces per day
• Serve only one new food at a time and wait 2-4 days before trying a new one, so you can identify if a new food is not well tolerated or causes an allergic reaction.

Also See:


How2 Cope with a Picky Eater
How2 Care for your Baby's Skin
How2 Care for your Baby's Hair
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