When To Start Baby On Solids.
By: Julie Fletcher
Has your baby been watching you intently as you eat? Often, when a baby begins to become curious about the foods his parents are consuming, it is a sign that baby is ready to start trying solids foods themselves.
Warnings
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a baby be breast or bottle fed exclusively for at least six months. It has been found in some studies that there is a correlation between introduction of solid foods very early in infancy and adult onset diabetes, along with obesity issues throughout life. Most pediatricians suggest starting solid foods no earlier than four months if the baby seems to be unsatisfied by a bottle or breast milk alone.To curb the possibility of an allergic reaction, start introducing solids slowly. Single ingredient cereals, such as rice cereal, is the best choice to avoid a potentially harmful reaction. Many premium cereals are available in groceries and recently ingredients that are beneficial to development have been added. DHA is an example of this. Vitamins and minerals are regularly added to enrich your baby's diet and intake of these important building blocks.
Introduce Slowly
When preparing the cereal mix only enough with breast milk or formula to make one tablespoon in a runny texture. This is enough for baby's first taste. In many cases baby may not react well, pushing the cereal out of his mouth with his tongue. This is completely normal, as the taste and texture is completely new. If your baby continues to push food out of his mouth, it may be a sign that he is just not ready to begin eating solids quite yet. This tongue pushing is a reflex and will pass in time.
A few more signs of readiness:
- Baby can sit with support.
- Hold her head up on her own.
- Seems hungry between feedings or before bed.
- Reaches for your food in curiosity.
Additional Warnings and Advice
Even if your baby takes well to food, resist the temptation to introduce too many new foods at once. One vegetable at a time after trying cereal for three days each to be sure there is no allergic reaction. Avoid honey, eggs, peanuts, and citrus fruit until your baby is at least a year old. Eggs can cause allergic reactions, as can peanuts. Honey can contain spores which grow in the baby's digestive tract, triggering botulism. Oranges and other citrus may contribute to a very painful diaper rash caused by acidic urine. Avoidance of these foods will help you enjoy transition to solid foods without a tremendously rough trial.