Starting solid foods for baby: When, How, What with Diet Chart

Undoubtedly, for parents one of the most researched topics is weaning, which is introducing solid foods to baby, a slow transition from milk (breast/formula) to other sources of nourishment. Like any other parent I was really worried about my baby’s first foods and I have explored a variety of platforms to gather information; not only I have consulted pediatrician, googled but also spoken to mothers of various age groups. Honestly speaking there were too much different information and opinions which perplexed me. So, in order to save your time and effort sharing with you only those essentials you need to know to get started. Also, I have created a month-wise diet chart which I have followed for my baby.

When?

Ideally, we should start solids for our child between 4 and 6 months but it totally depends on our baby’s development and each of them is different. Personally, I have started introducing solids for my son from 4.5 months. Well, below are some signs which would help you decide whether your little one is ready for embarking the solid food journey:

• Baby is often hungry even having sufficient breastmilk or formula milk.

• Baby can sit upright with support and hold up their head.

• Baby is continuously watching you with interest when you are eating. He/she may show a desire for food by leaning forward and opening his/her mouth.

• Baby have started developing their eyesight and keep looking at everything around them.

• Baby is mouthing his or her hands or toys.

How?

Weaning basically has 3 stages:

Stage 1: Introduction of solid foods – from around six months.

Stage 2: More textures and tastes – from around seven months.

Stage 3: Wider variety and family food – from around 9-12 months.

It is actually a very time consuming process and requires a lot of patience and cooperation from both parents and children. Hence, we should not rush, we need to go with the flow. The motto here is slow and steady wins the race. Parents must experiment a lot with timing and food before finalizing diet of their little ones. Therefore to make your job easy presenting to you few tips to remember:

• Introduce one food a day.

• Watch out for allergies. To pinpoint allergies easier after starting one new food repeat it for three to four days. Watch out for allergic reaction or intolerance, like a rash, hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, excessive gas, diarrhea, or blood in their stools. Immediately contact with the child health care provider.

• DO NOT force feed. Babies often reject their first servings of pureed foods because the taste and texture are new. If baby refuses the feeding, don't force it. Try again in a week. If the problem continues, talk to your baby's doctor regarding the resistance.

• Babies mostly prefer sweet foods at the beginning as they taste like their breast/formula milk which they are usually having. So, for a hassle-free transition start feeding them with sweet recipes then slowly start introducing other tastes.

• Introduce bitter, chilly, sour taste to the baby after 7 months; it is always better to start feeding the baby early with different taste and texture; it would help them in the long run.

• Slowly create a routine for the baby, maintain hygiene, create a calm and soothing environment for the little one to focus on his eating and help the baby understand when he is full.

• Always make your baby wear a bib to avoid messes.

• After preparing baby’s food it’s always better to taste and ensure that it is scrumptious. Let’s not give our baby anything which might cause food aversion.

• Slowly graduate to chunkier purees if your little one is easily eating pureed food. Initially use blender then promote to puree food using fork/spoon/hand.

• Please note that when your baby start taking solids, his poop would change, more solid, different color, strong odor.

• Be careful of choking hazards. Do not give anything hard or do not feed bigger portions at once. Do not provide sticky liquids like honey directly. You could mix honey in sweet dishes or juices.

• It is recommended not to give cow's milk to baby until he/she is a year old.

• Avoid artificial colored or flavored foods.

What?

Below is month-wise baby diet-chart containing which food to give, quantity and timings.

Extra hacks:

• A pinch of salt/ ghee/ jaggery could be added accordingly to taste if needed.

• If you are starting early between 4-6 months just try to give solid food once a day (boiled dal/rice/potato or mashed banana/pureed apple).

• Sometimes when you have time crunch the easy-peasy and healthy way is to provide Cerelac to your baby and in case you need to provide him formula milk, though there are plenty of options in the market, my personal favorite is Lactogen. I always keep them handy.

Please remember every child is different and with love and care we can ease his/her transition from milk to solids. Well, hope this article empowered you with all the know how you need on weaning. So, what are you waiting for, its your time to show some love. Hit the love button at the end of this article.

Weaning is an important milestone for you and your munchkin, so wishing you all the best. Happy Parenting!