Introducing your baby to solid food can be an exciting time for you and your baby – you get to watch their little faces light up when they find new textures and tastes that they enjoy. However, this process may be a little tricky for some parents, and that’s okay, too.
In fact, according to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 53% of babies are given solid food before they are ready for it. To understand when your baby will be ready for solid food and how to transition your baby to solid food, keep reading!
6 Tips To Transition Your Baby To Solid Food
Let’s dive into more excitement at mealtimes with these tips for transitioning your baby to solid food! Some baby foods contain heavy metals that can be detrimental to your young one’s health, so it’s essential to make the right choices when introducing your baby to solid food.
Ensure Your Baby Is Ready For Solid Food
Many parents are giving their babies solid food before they are ready. Some parents find that their baby’s appetite is quite significant, and milk doesn’t satiate their appetite.
However, your baby’s body won’t be equipped to digest solid food until they are around 6 months old, which means that giving your baby solid food before then can cause certain health complications.
Check With Your Pediatrician
Every baby’s needs are different. If your baby has any health issues, particularly digestive issues, you should consult with your pediatrician before giving them solid food. Even if they are 6 months old, your baby may have health requirements that dictate they won’t be able to handle solid foods. So, just to be sure, check with your pediatrician. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Use Foods With Fewer Ingredients
Your baby’s stomach will be learning to produce new enzymes to break down the fresh foods you’re giving them, so it is essential to use foods with fewer ingredients as their body adjusts. Your little angel may have trouble digesting foods with a complex makeup, so it’s best to introduce them to fruits, vegetables, and whole foods on their own while you build up their digestive capabilities. Baby food pouches and purees are a great alternative to whole foods for busy parents. You may look for baby food options packed with as many healthy and organic ingredients as possible to make things easier for your little one’s stomach. You can find these options easily online on sites like Serenity Kids.
As adults, we consume many foods with preservatives, additives, and artificial ingredients. It is best to look for healthy foods with natural and organic ingredients, and the same goes for our babies, too!
Pay Attention To Portion Sizes
As with ingredients, it’s best not to overwhelm your little one’s stomach with large portion sizes. To gauge how much you should be feeding your baby, dependent on their age, we have listed below a few guidelines you can follow:
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If your baby is 6 months old — 2 to 4 tablespoons of solid food.
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If your baby is between 7 and 12 months — 3 meals of solid food a day, roughly the size of the baby’s fist.
Having guidelines you can follow makes it easier for you to know how much food to buy, prep, and freeze for your baby. It’s vital to schedule feeding times when your baby is bound to be hungry. For instance, your baby may not be hungry or remotely interested in their food if they are sleepy, so it’s best to avoid feeding them around nap time and bedtime.
Keep Your Baby Hydrated
Since your baby will be eating solid foods, it becomes more important to keep them hydrated. They won’t be consuming as much water via breast milk or formula, so you must ensure you provide them with a sippy cup filled with water throughout the day to maintain their hydration levels.
Let Your Baby Have Fun & Don’t Give Up
Let your baby make a mess and enjoy the texture and taste of their food in their way. It may be difficult to watch them smear their food all over their face, but they love it! The more fun mealtimes are, the more receptive your baby will be to eating solid foods. If your baby is having a hard time getting used to solid foods, stay strong! Persistence is key, and they will soon warm to the new flavors and textures you’re introducing them to.
Solid foods should be introduced at around 6 months when your baby’s body is developed enough to digest them. Once you’re ready to start feeding your baby solid food, you can play around with different foods and watch them discover which tastes they like and don’t. This can be a truly magical time to share with your baby, and it’s important to remember to have fun!
Did you have an easy time introducing solids to your baby? Any other tips you would share? Share with us in the comments!
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