Ready... set... feed! How to know when your baby is ready for solids.
Introducing foods to your little one can be a daunting task in the beginning. When and how to start can cause confusion due to the vast amount of information out there. The age to commence feeding ranges from 4-6 months.
The first step is to assess for readiness. Signs to look out for when your baby may be ready to start eating solids:
1. Your little one can hold their head up when sitting
2. Reaches for and shows interest in foods
3. Opens their mouth for food
We recommend that you consult a medical professional or your pediatrician before starting solids.
Set
- We recommend that you introduce vegetables as baby’s first tastes
- Choose single vegetables and fruits at a time
- Smooth pureed without additional salt or sugar
- Choose a mealtime that works for both baby and you
- Remember to start with small amounts since babies have small stomachs
Feed
- Allow your baby a chance to open their mouth for the food
- Start with one or two teaspoons and one meal per day
- It is normal for a baby to spit out or reject a food the first time they taste it
- When you start weaning, the aim is to allow your baby to get used to new tastes and textures
- Take note of cues that your baby is done eating such as turning their head away and keeping their mouth closed