Introducing Solid Foods to Your Baby

Before, it was suggested that you start your baby on solid foods when she was four months of age. On the other hand, experts now believe that babies need nothing more than breast milk or formula for the first six months of their lives. Being a mother myself l know that as time went by breastfeeding become easier and now, it only takes 10-20 min each feed, how easy!

If your baby seems dissatisfied after her usual breast milk or formula feeding and is less than six months old, try to satisfy her by breastfeeding more often or talk to your paediatrician.

Why Does Your Baby Need Solid Foods?

At around six months of age, milk alone may no longer satisfy her physical needs. They also become interested in what you are eating as well! Solid foods provide the key nutrients, such as iron, that her body may now require. Introducing your baby to solids is also her first step toward enjoying healthy food and discovering that sharing meals is fun. Your baby is becoming more independent - she is learning how to sit up unaided and to grab what she wants; she loves to put EVERYTHING in her mouth, and she wants to be included in everything. Learning how to eat solid food and joining in family meals are the next steps on her journey to independence.

Getting a Little Messy

Feeding your baby solid foods can create a bit of a mess - a lot of the food will come right back out of her mouth and she'll love to get her hands on the spoon and dish. But that's all part of her learning process. Oh yes and how messy it can be!

Taking it slow

When you start introducing new solid foods, it's very important to offer only one new food at a time. Offering one food at a time, and only one new food every two or three days, has two advantages:

• Your baby can get used to each new taste and texture.
• If there are any signs of an allergic reaction - such as a tummy ache, diarrhea or rashes - you will more readily identify which food is the problem.

Diaper Rash

As your baby is introduced to new foods, she may experience a bout of diarrhea, which can lead to diaper rash. If your baby does experience diarrhea, avoid the food she last had for a while - it may be that she cannot digest that particular food yet. Try again in a few weeks' time. If diarrhea occurs, consult your paediatrician.

Your Baby Still Needs Milk

Your baby is not ready to give up the breast or bottle just because she starts eating solid food. To begin with, she'll simply be getting used to new tastes and textures and much of what you put in her mouth will come straight back out, so she still needs her full supply of breast milk or formula. In fact, this will be an important source of nutrition for her until she is one year old.

(source: www.johnsonsbaby.com)