It can feel like a really long wait when you want your baby to quickly start solids. By six months, they are eager and ready to try new tastes and textures. While this transition can feel a little overwhelming with the “whens, hows and whys” knowing what to expect will make things easier for both you and your little one. At the six month point, your baby still receives the majority of their nutrition from breast milk or formula, so starting solids is more about exploring new flavours than replacing milk altogether.
Why start solids at six months?
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Nutritional needs
At six months, your baby's iron storage from birth begins to deplete, requiring additional iron sources for proper brain and body development. Breast milk and formula continue to provide vital nutrients, but they may not be sufficient to meet your baby's growing needs. Introducing iron-rich foods during this stage promotes healthy growth and prevents iron deficiency.
- Digestive system readiness
Before six months, your baby's digestive system is still developing, making it difficult for them to digest solid foods properly. Introducing solids too early can cause digestive discomfort, constipation, and even an increased risk of food allergies. Waiting six months allows your baby's gut to mature, making it easier to digest new foods.
- Motor skills development
At six months, most babies have developed the motor skills required to handle solid foods. They can sit up with minimal help, keep their head still, and better coordinate their mouth and tongue movements.
Signs that your baby is ready for solids
- Good head and neck control
Your baby should be able to sit up and keep their head steady without help. This allows them to swallow safely and lowers the risk of choking. If your baby is still struggling to sit, you may want to wait a little longer before introducing solids.
- Increased interest in food
If your baby observes you eating, reaches for your food, or opens their mouth when they see a spoon, it indicates that they are ready to begin solids. Their interest in food is a natural part of their development, indicating that they are eager to try new flavours and textures.
- Loss of tongue thrust reflex
Babies have a reflex to push foreign objects out of their mouths with their tongues. By six months, this reflex begins to fade, allowing them to swallow rather than push food out. If your baby is still thrusting food out, they may require more time before beginning solids.
- Ability to open the mouth for a spoon
A baby who is ready for solids will eagerly open their mouth when a spoon approaches. If they consistently turn their heads away or refuse the spoon, it may be too early to begin. Give them more time, and try again later.
Starting solids: A step-by-step approach
- Step 1: Select the right time
Choose a time when your baby is awake, well-rested, and in a good mood. Avoid introducing solids when they are extremely hungry, tired, or fussy. A calm environment with few distractions allows them to focus on eating and enjoying the experience.
- Step 2: Start with a single ingredient
Begin with simple, single-ingredient foods that are easily digestible. Iron-rich foods such as pureed meat, fish, and iron-fortified cereal are excellent options. Soft vegetables like mashed sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas make excellent first foods. You can also introduce whipped bone marrow to your baby’s diet. Simply roast the bone marrow in the oven till it is properly cooked, wait for it to cool and then put it in the mixer to whip it to a soft peaky consistency, this is a great way to introduce healthy fats, protein and iron into your baby’s diet.
- Step 3: Introduce one new food at a time
Introduce a new food every three to five days to watch for allergic reactions like rashes, diarrhoea, or vomiting. If your baby has a negative reaction to a food, stop offering it and consult your healthcare provider before trying again.
- Step 4: Begin with small amounts
Begin with one to two teaspoons of pureed food per meal. Allow your baby to explore the texture and taste without pressure. As they become more used to solid foods, gradually increase the portion.
- Step 5: Follow your baby's cues
Your baby will show you how much food they want. They may eat eagerly on some days, but only a few bites on others. Trust their appetite and don't force them to eat when they're not hungry.
What are the best foods for my baby?
- Iron-rich foods
Iron is necessary for brain development and proper growth. Whipped bone marrow, fish, eggs, lentils, beans, and iron-fortified cereals are all excellent sources. Offering these foods early can help prevent iron deficiency.
- Vegetables
Rich in vitamins and minerals, especially when soft-cooked or mashed. Start with mild-flavoured vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and zucchini. Introducing a variety of vegetables early on promotes healthy eating habits.
- Fruits
Mashed bananas, pureed pears, and apple sauce make excellent first fruits. They are naturally sweet and contain essential vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants.
Some common concerns
- What if my baby refuses solids?
It is normal for infants to reject food at first. The experience is new, and they may need some time to adjust. If your baby refuses a certain food, try it again after a few days.
- How much should my baby eat?
At six months, your baby will only eat a few spoonfuls per meal. Solids should supplement, not replace, breast milk or formula. By 9-12 months, they will begin to eat three small meals per day in addition to their milk feeds.
What foods should I avoid for the first year?
- Honey should not be given to infants under one year old as it may contain bacteria that cause infant botulism (a rare but serious illness caused by a bacterial toxin that affects a baby's nervous system).
- Whole nuts, grapes, and raw carrots are choking hazards. Always give your baby soft, mashed, or finely chopped foods to ensure safe eating.
- Cow's milk does not contain enough iron and is difficult for babies to digest. Breast milk or formula should be the primary source of nutrition during the first year.
- Unpasteurized dairy and juices may contain harmful bacteria that can lead to foodborne illnesses. To ensure safety, always choose pasteurized options.
- Excess salt can strain a baby's developing kidneys, whereas added sugars can promote unhealthy eating habits. Stick to natural, whole foods with no added salt or sugars.
Healthy eating habits
- Allow your little one to explore
Babies learn by touching, smelling, and tasting. Allow them to experiment with their food, feel different textures, and feed themselves as they develop. This promotes a positive relationship with food.
- Make mealtimes enjoyable
Sit with your baby during meals to create a calm, happy environment. Allow them to focus on eating by avoiding distractions such as television and mobile phones.
- Be patient
It may take several tries for your baby to accept new foods. Please remember to be patient with your little one, continue to provide a variety of options, and trust the process.
Starting solids is a journey, and each baby progresses at their rate. Trust yourself, listen to your baby's cues, and enjoy this new chapter in your motherhood journey. You are laying the groundwork for your baby's future healthy eating habits, which is something to be proud of!
