Starting Solids
Starting Solids: Why? When? How?
Why?
Starting solids is an exciting time for your baby—just think about all those wonderful new flavors for them to experience! But, it can also be a time of worry for parents and it might even feel downright terrifying for those concerned about allergies or choking.
It’s generally accepted that healthy babies are ready to start solids around six months old. For the first six months of their life, full-term babies use iron stored in their bodies from when they were in the womb. As they grow, these iron stores diminish, hence why around six months is the ideal time to start solids.
In addition to the nutritional benefits, introducing solids helps babies learn to eat, and introduces them to a delicious assortment of tastes and textures (YUM!).
When?
It’s best to offer solid foods once a day, around mid/late morning. As they get used to solids, increase this very slowly (this will minimize any disruption to sleep if there is a digestive upset).
Offer solid food when baby is in a good mood, well-rested and interested in eating.
How?
Start with iron-rich foods (examples include iron-fortified cereal, meats, beans and lentils)
Continue to offer formula/breastmilk as this will be their primary source of nutrition until 12 months of age.
After a minimum of 3-4 weeks of mid/late morning solids, you can move on to introducing dinner-time solids.
For more detailed information on starting solids, three additional resources are listed below: