How to Transition Baby to Solid Food

Is my baby ready to start eating solid food yet? Stories from your parents and grandparents may half jokingly tell you that when you were 3 months old, you were already drinking whole milk and eating turkey and mashed potatoes. Your parents meant well, but pediatricians now suggest that a child probably isn't ready to start on solid foods until the age of 4 to 6 months. This article will explain what to look for to know if your child is ready at 4 months old, or if you should wait until he or she is 6 months old. You will also learn how and what to start feeding your child.

Readiness

Can your baby steadily hold his head upright?

Can your child sit upright with little to no support?

Does your baby show interest in what you are eating?

Does your baby turn his or her head away when he/she is full?

How prominent is your child's tongue thrust reflex? The tongue thrust reflex is what pushes food back out of the mouth.

If you answered yes to all of these questions, and your baby's tongue thrust reflex isn't very prominent, you are probably ready to start feeding him or her solid foods. If you answered to no to one or more of these questions, or if the reflex is still quite prominent, I would suggest holding off on solid foods for a little longer.

Foods to Start With

Most doctors suggest starting your child with iron fortified single grain cereal. Mix a small serving with formula or breastmilk. The consistency should be very watery at first. If your child does well with that, you can can gradually increase the thickness of the cereal's consistency.

Next, you can try any Stage 1 foods like bananas and other fruits and vegetables. Only feed them one fruit or vegetable at a time for 3 days straight. This way you can tell if your child is going to have an allergic reaction to the fruit or vegetable.

At 6 months, your pediatrician will probably tell you its okay to try meats. When you first try a new a food, your child might seem like he/she doesn't like it, but keep just keep trying. It is good to get them used to all different flavors and textures.

Tips and Warnings

As stated above, you should only try one food at a time to be sure your child is not allergic.

Make sure your child is sitting completely upright when you attempt to start feeding them.

You will need to have them wear a bib, because the first few times can be very messy.

Be patient when starting them on solid foods.