Over the years there have been many theories and a lot of observations and research to ensure that introducing a baby to solid food is both safe and beneficial in the short and long term. The majority of government health departments recommend waiting until a baby is at least 6 months old before weaning, and that baby shows signs of readiness.
Signs Babies are Ready for Solid Food
There are key things to look for which indicate that baby may be ready for solid foods, such as:
- able to sit upright with support, holding the head up steadily
- the tongue thrust reflex has gone (where babies intuitively push solid objects out of their mouths)
- showing an interest in food
- showing signs of hunger after feeds
- drinking more than 32 oz (about 900 - 1000ml) of formula or 8-10 breast feeds.
Waking early does not necessarily indicate baby is ready, so it is always best to consult a health care professional. Once baby is ready, there are some general rules to follow to ensure food is introduced as safely as possible.
Introducing Food
Health Canada suggests the following when introducing a food for the first time:
- Introducing new foods earlier in the day ensures that any adverse effects can be observed (for example rash, diarrhea) rather than during the night.
- If baby doesn't appear to like a particular food, trying again after a few days sometimes makes a difference.
- Giving baby their milk first before introducing the food ensures that hunger has gone and may increase baby's interest in something new.
- Encouraging baby and remaining positive may give baby more confidence to try.
- Individual flavours should be introduced one at a time so that any allergies or foods which don't agree with baby can easily be identified.
- Very first foods should be very liquid in consistency, gradually thickening as baby gets used to it.
- If there is a history of allergy in the family, foods such as nuts or shellfish should be left until baby is at least 2 years old.
First Foods (6-9 months)
Iron stores start to deplete around 6 months of age and calcium requirements also increase around this time. As a result, foods are recommended by both Health Canada and the Department of Health in the UK in the following order:
- Baby cereals, which tend to be fortified with iron
- Strained fruits and vegetables which should be cooked using unsalted water, the puréed, adding the cooking liquid if needed
- Puréed cooked meat, fish and poultry
- Egg yolk, rice and pasta
Sources of Help and Advice on Feeding Babies
Good sources of advice, other than Health Canada or the Department of Health (UK), are the baby food manufacturers who often have clubs to join where really useful information and often obtain free samples or feeding guides . They often have websites full of up to date information on both their products and current guidance from healthcare professionals.
What Foods to Avoid Feeding Baby in the First Year
Even without allergies in the family, there are one or two items it is important not to give a baby in the first twelve months. Honey can contain bacteria which could be harmful, and cows milk should be left until 12 months as well.
Introducing foods to baby is an exciting time, and should generally occur around 6 months when baby shows specific signs of being ready. Introducing the different food groups and individual flavours gradually, following the advice of healthcare professionals and government health departments, will ensure that this is done as safely and as effectively as possible.
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