Hello, new mamas! If you’re reading this, you’re probably gearing up to start your little one on solids, which is such an exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) milestone. As a first time mom, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start, what foods to try, and how to ensure your baby is getting the nutrition they need. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide on starting solids.
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Starting Solids Guide for First Time Moms
Here are some common asked questions and answers on starting solid foods:
When Is My Baby Ready to Start Eating Solids?
Before you jump into the world of purees and mashed veggies, it’s important to make sure your baby is developmentally ready to start solids.
Most babies are ready to begin solids around 6 months old, but every baby is different. Here are a few signs that your little one may be ready:
- Sitting up with support: Your baby should be able to sit up with minimal support, as this helps prevent choking while eating.
- Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex: Babies naturally push food out of their mouths with their tongue, but by 6 months, they begin to lose this reflex and can move food to the back of their mouths to swallow.
- Interest in food: If your baby seems curious when you eat, reaching for your food or showing excitement when food is near, they may be ready to start solids.
- Increased appetite: If your baby seems unsatisfied with breast milk or formula alone and is still hungry after regular feedings, it might be a sign they’re ready to try something new.
Remember, even if your baby is showing some of these signs, every baby is different, so check with your pediatrician before you begin.
Pureed Foods or Baby Led Weaning Approach?
What is Baby Led Weaning?
Baby Led Weaning (BLW) is an approach to introducing solids where your baby skips the pureed foods and instead feeds themselves with whole, finger-friendly foods right from the start.
Should I Start with Pureed Food or BLW?
The decision between starting with pureed food or baby-led weaning (BLW) at 6 months depends on your baby’s development and your personal preferences. Both have benefits and considerations.
At first, I was nervous about giving my baby solid pieces of food, so I began with purees. After a month, I introduced chunkier textures, and by 2 months, I started offering small pieces of soft vegetables, fruit, and meat. I’d say I used a mixed approach to baby feeding.
What Do I Need to Start Feeding My Baby Solids?
Starting solids doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment, but there are a few key items that will make the process easier:
- Baby Spoon: A soft-tipped spoon is gentle on your baby’s gums and teeth. Look for spoons with an easy-to-grip handle for your comfort, too.
- Baby Feeding Set: A separate bowl, plate, utensils, a cup for your little one. I got a full silicone baby feeding set with everything I need.
- High Chair: A sturdy high chair that allows your baby to sit upright is important for safety and ease. It should have a safety harness and a tray for food. After a research online, I chose foldable 6 in 1 Maxi Cosi baby chair. It’s a very good quality, so check it out.
I also purchased a Chicco portable high chair for traveling and feedings outside home.
- Bibs: Expect a mess, especially in the beginning! Waterproof or silicone bibs are a lifesaver and can be wiped down easily. When my baby is feeding herself, I put her Bibado long sleeves coverall bib.
- Baby Food Storage: You can use small containers, freezer trays, or pouches to store purees or homemade baby food.
- Clean, Soft Washcloths: For wiping up spills and cleaning up your little one during mealtime.
- Baby Food Maker: While not essential, some parents find a baby food maker or blender handy for making fresh purees or smoothies. I got my steamer and blender as a baby shower gift, and I’ve been using it a lot to prepare food for my baby.
What Solid Foods to Start Feeding My Baby First?
When it comes to starting solids, the general advice is to introduce single-ingredient foods one at a time, with a few days in between each new food.
This helps you identify any food sensitivities or allergies early on.
For example, I started with vegetables first, then introduced some fruits, then oatmeal with fruits, and after that, I introduced chicken. I skipped the rice cereal.
Here are some excellent first foods to consider:
- Pureed Vegetables: Start with simple, single-ingredient purees like carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, zucchini, or squash. Steam or boil them until soft, then blend until smooth. You can add a little water, breast milk, or formula to thin the texture.
- Pureed Fruits: Soft fruits like apples, pears, bananas, and avocados are great choices. Mash or puree them for easy swallowing. Avocado is especially nutrient-dense and can be a perfect first food.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal is another great first food option that can be made smoother with added breast milk or formula. It’s rich in iron and fiber. I found Earth’s Best Organic Whole Grain Multi-grain Cereal that I have been mixing with mashed/chopped berries and a banana for breakfast almost every day.
- Pureed Meats: Some experts recommend introducing pureed meats like chicken or turkey as early as 6 months, as they’re a good source of protein and iron. I gave steamed, blended chicken to my baby at 7 months old. After that, I introduced beef, pork, and then salmon.
Make sure the consistency is smooth and runny at first, as babies are still learning how to swallow solids. After a few weeks or a month, you can start preparing thicker purees or consider baby led weaning approach.
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Starting Solids VideosHow Much to Feed My Baby When Starting Solids?
Start with small amounts—just a teaspoon or two—and observe your baby’s reactions. After a few feedings, increase the quantity to a few spoons per feeding.
For instance, I began feeding my baby once a day, typically at lunch. When she turned 7 months, I added a second feeding. By 8 months, she was having breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Pay attention to your baby’s signals that she’s full, like stopping the feeding, refusing to open her mouth, or turning her head away.
Some days she may eat more, and other days she may eat less— and that’s perfectly normal!
Should I Give Water to My Baby?
Yes, once your baby is 6 months old and starts eating solid foods, it’s a good idea to offer a few sips of water with each meal and between meals. This helps with digestion and can prevent constipation.
I recommend Munchkin 360 sippy cup. My baby loves this cup. Once I introduced it to her, she learned how to use it and drink by herself very fast.
However, don’t replace breast milk or formula with water at this stage—solid foods are just a supplement.
How to Introduce Allergens to My Baby?
Introducing allergens to your baby is an important part of starting solids, but it can be a bit daunting. We’ve all heard stories about food allergies, but research shows that introducing common allergens early (around 6 months) may actually help reduce the risk of developing food allergies later in life.
Common allergens include:
- Peanuts
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Tree nuts
- Fish and shellfish
- Wheat and soy
Here’s how to safely introduce allergens:
- Start Early: As long as your baby is 6 months old and developmentally ready, you can start introducing allergens one at a time. It’s recommended to introduce a new allergen every 3-5 days to monitor for any signs of a reaction.
- Single-Ingredient: Start with a single-ingredient version of the allergenic food. For example, if introducing peanut butter, use smooth, unsweetened peanut butter (mixed with breast milk or water to thin) and serve it in a small amount.
- Monitor for Reactions: After introducing a new allergenic food, watch for any signs of a reaction, such as hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or swelling. If you notice any of these, stop feeding the food and contact your pediatrician right away.
- Don’t Avoid, But Introduce Safely: Avoiding allergens altogether isn’t the best approach anymore. Studies suggest that early and controlled exposure helps reduce the risk of allergies. However, if your baby has a family history of food allergies, talk to your pediatrician before introducing certain foods.
Tips for Starting Solids
- Patience is Key: It might take some time for your baby to get the hang of eating solids. They may initially push food out with their tongue or refuse certain textures. That’s totally normal!
- Start Slow: The first few weeks of solids are more about exploring textures and flavors than actually eating a lot. Keep breastfeeding or formula feeding as the primary source of nutrition.
- Be Mindful of Texture: In the beginning, foods should be very soft and pureed to avoid choking hazards. As your baby gets more comfortable, you can start to introduce chunkier textures and small, soft pieces of food.
- Keep a Food Journal: It can be helpful to keep track of what foods your baby has tried and when. This is especially important if you’re introducing allergens. It also helps to track any reactions your baby might have.
Final Thoughts
Starting solids is a big, exciting step in your baby’s development! While it can feel overwhelming at first, remember that there’s no rush—every baby moves through this stage at their own pace.
Start simple, introduce foods one at a time, and trust your instincts as a parent. Most importantly, enjoy watching your baby explore new tastes and textures!
Do you have any tips or stories about starting solids with your little one? I’d love to hear about your journey in the comments below!
Happy feeding! 🍽️👶
