Is Your Baby Ready To Start Solids?

The World Health Organization recommends starting solids at around 6 months and up till then stick to exclusive breast or bottle feeding.

Benefits of waiting to introduce solids:

- they will be able to chew, self-feed and swallow more efficiently which will help them cope with new textures and the whole process of weaning and allow them to not overeat

-digestive system matures and intestinal lining wall becomes stronger

- greater protection from illness and decreases risk of food allergy- more mature digestive system breaks food down more efficiently

- greater protection against iron deficiency

-proper appetite control- they are able to show you signs when full

So what are the signs you need to look for?

1- They can sit up with minimal support for an extended period of time. Our digestive systems are made up of muscles- so when a baby can sit up that means their body’s muscles are ready to digest food.

2- Head support- baby can hold their head up themselves and turn their head to show they do not want more food.

3- Tongue – thrust reflex diminishes-This is when a baby sticks their tongue out- it is a defence they use to try to keep something out of their mouth. Once this subsides- this means they are ready to accept an intake of foods. Should not have to force a spoon inside the baby’s mouth.

4- Hand, eye, mouth coordination- It is imortant that they are able to pick up foods and cutlery and put it in their mouth. This is an important skill for them to be able to self-feed. And yes all babies can self-feed at 6 months, we just have to give them the chance.

5- Eager to participate- babies will start looking at food, trying to grasp it and show an interest in your meals. However, do not look at this sign in isolation as babies are generally willing to put everything in their mouth and are generally observant of everything around them.

Do consider this sign after all the other three are apparent. If they show all the other three signs but not this one it is okay to wait a bit and just wait for your baby to lead. If a baby is showing an excitement towards food but hasn’t shown the other signs it is okay to make them sit with you while you eat- give them a bowl and spoon and let them feel part of meal time.

Is your baby ready to start solids?