The Introduction of Solid Foods

By Ram Collins


Breast milk is all your baby will need until at least 4 months of age. There does come a time, when breast milk will no longer supply all of your baby's nutrition needs. Full term babies will start to require iron from other sources by 6 - 9 months of age.

Solid foods should be introduced when the baby is about 9 months already. Otherwise, the baby may have difficulties accepting other foods aside from breast milk. The baby's growing up stage should always include solid foods.

The ideal time to begin solid foods is when the baby shows interest in starting. Some babies will show interest in solid food when it's on their parents' plates, as early as 4 months of age. By 5 - 6 months, most babies will reach out and try to grab the food. When the baby starts to reach for food, it's normally the time to go ahead and give him some.

Sometimes, you can observe that your baby does not gain weight and there are some situations where the baby is hungry all the time. When these situations arise, it may be necessary to introduce solid foods earlier like 3 months. Still, it is best to continue with the breastfeeding sessions.

Breast fed babies will digest solid foods better and earlier than artificially fed babies because the breast milk will contain enzymes which help to digest fats, proteins, and starch. Breast fed babies will also have had a variety of different tastes in their life, since the flavors of many foods the mother eats will pass into her milk.

Babies at 5 to 6 months can be introduced with any kinds of solid foods. Nonetheless, spicy foods or those that are allergenic should be avoided. If for some instance that your baby wants the potato he is looking at your plate, you can give it to him considering that it's not too hot.

Any food that the baby finds interesting is allowable for him to eat. If you're worried about the baby consuming too much of it, don't be. Most food contents would either be on the floor or on his hair.

At 5 to 6 months of age, meat is the best source of iron for your baby. Although cereal contains iron as well, it can trigger constipation to your baby due to poor absorption.




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