HOW TO START YOUR BABY ON SOLID FOODS: TIPS AND TRICKS

The Journey to Solid Foods Begins

Introducing solid foods is a joyful milestone in your baby’s first year. It opens the door to an exciting world of tastes, textures, and mealtime fun! Whether it’s creamy avocado, sweet mango, or a gentle purée of sweet potato, every bite helps your baby explore the richness of food.

Starting solids can feel overwhelming, but with a little preparation and patience, it can become a delightful experience for both you and your baby.

Why Solid Foods Are Important

Starting solids is an essential step in your baby’s growth and development. Beyond nutrition, it helps develop motor skills, teaches them how to chew, and encourages a lifetime of healthy eating habits.

Tips for Introducing Solid Foods

1. Choose the Right First Foods

Gone are the days when rice cereal was the go-to option. Instead, opt for nutritious and easy-to-digest fruits and vegetables. Great choices include:

• Sweet potato
• Avocado
• Banana
• Peas
• Squash

These foods can be blended into smooth purées and are gentle on your baby’s stomach.

2. Keep It Simple

Start with single-ingredient purées without added sugar or salt. Wait three to five days before introducing a new food to monitor for any allergic reactions, such as rashes, diarrhoea, or vomiting. Once your baby adjusts, you can combine ingredients for variety.

3. Make Mealtime Enjoyable

Encourage your baby to have fun with their food. It’s okay if some of it lands on the highchair tray, bib, or floor! These moments help your baby learn and grow while building a positive relationship with food.

4. Pay Attention to Hunger Cues

Offer solid foods after breast milk or formula when your baby is hungry but not overly so. This ensures they are calm and receptive to trying new foods.

5. Be Patient

Feeding a baby can take time. One small spoonful might take several minutes, so be patient and make feeding sessions relaxed. If your baby isn’t interested in solids, it’s perfectly fine to continue breastfeeding or formula feeding and try solids again later.

Adding Water to the Routine

When your baby begins eating solids, it’s time to introduce water during meals. While breast milk or formula meets hydration needs early on, offering water with meals establishes a healthy habit of choosing water over sugary drinks.

Taste Testing for Success

Always taste your baby’s food before serving. While it won’t have added sugar or salt, it should still be appealing. If it doesn’t smell or taste good to you, chances are your baby won’t enjoy it either.

Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits

Mealtime is an opportunity to create lifelong habits. A balanced introduction to solid foods helps your baby grow with a love for healthy, natural flavours.

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Read More:- A PARENT’S GUIDE TO ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS FOR A HEALTHY CHILDHOOD