Blog

Embark on the exciting journey of introducing flavors to your little one’s palate!

It’s a bit nerve racking to introduce solid foods to your baby. It can feel like there are a lot of unknowns – when is the best time to start? What foods should you try first? How should your baby be fed? etc.

This is an exciting time in your baby’s development that can be diminished by stress. This guide will help ease your mind so that you can enjoy this incredible stage – let’s explore introducing solid foods and ensuring a smooth transition for your baby!

What is the when, what, how of solid food introduction?

When: anywhere from 4 to 6 months of age, your baby will start showing signs of readiness for solid food. 4 months is on the earlier side, and 6 months is the recommended age by the American Academy of Pediatrics but it’s important to pay attention at the low end of the time range because every baby develops at a different rate. Signs to look for are your baby’s ability to sit up with little support, the ability to swallow, and of course their showing interest in solid food.

What: It’s commonly recommended to start with an iron-fortified baby cereal made of one grain, pureed fruits, softened vegetables, and protein sources like pureed meats, beans, and lentils. You can go for the traditional store-bought baby food, or make these yourself at home! There are many cookbooks on the market that guide new parents into making homemade nutritious baby & toddler food, that will provide the nutrients your baby needs for growth and development, as well as be safe on their immature GI system. 

• Since you will neither be exclusively feeding your baby solids nor exclusively breastfeeding/formula-feeding, it is a good idea to also be mindful of your baby’s hydration. Allow for small sips of water during the solid food meals, from a sippy cup.
• I also recommend reading our guide for introducing common allergenic foods.

How: start with one new food at a time. Give it some time, maybe a few days, before trying another new food. This allows for you to monitor the response to the food, allergies, or sensitivities. As your baby becomes accustomed to eating solid foods you will want to advance the texture from a puree, then to a mash, finely chopped, and end with small bite size finger food – this progression will help with oral motor development.

• Most importantly, the atmosphere your baby eats in should be a positive one. The environment we eat in affects how the meal goes. Be sure it’s calm, sit down with your baby, offer them a diversity of foods as you incorporate more, give them textures to explore with their hands. Practice patience, and listen to your baby’s cues.
• Avoid foods that can be a choking hazard like whole grapes, nuts, or chunks of meat. Be mindful of how much added sugar and salt are being served in the meals.

By being attuned to your baby’s cues, offering a variety of nutrient-rich foods, and maintaining a positive mealtime atmosphere, you are setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Enjoy this special time with your little one as they embark on the delicious adventure of discovering new flavors and textures! To learn more about what Dining With Nature offers for infant nutrition care – take a look at our Services page.

And to stay up to date with all things Dining With Nature, subscribe for free to our monthly newsletter here