Introducing Baby to Solid Foods Safely
Starting your baby on solid foods is an exciting milestone. Follow these tips to ensure a safe and positive experience.
1. Wait Until the Right Time
Introduce solids around six months of age, when your baby can sit up with support and has lost the tongue-thrust reflex.
2. Start with Single-Ingredient Foods
Begin with single-ingredient purees, like rice cereal or mashed avocado, and wait 3-5 days between new foods to monitor for allergies.
3. Offer a Variety of Textures
Gradually introduce your baby to different textures, from purees to mashed and eventually finger foods.
4. Encourage Self-Feeding
Offer soft, easy-to-grasp finger foods to promote self-feeding and develop fine motor skills.
5. Be Patient and Persistent
Introducing new foods can take time and patience, so keep offering a variety of options and don't get discouraged by initial rejections.
By following these guidelines, you can help your baby develop a healthy relationship with food and establish a foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits.
