I remember the very first time I introduced solid foods to my child. As a new mom, I had so many questions. What, When, How, and How much? Not only was it an exciting time for me, but it was quite an anxious time for me as well.
I knew that introducing babies to the new textures and tastes of solid foods was a humongous milestone. But, I was also deeply concerned about allergies, choking hazards, and food choices. It was extremely important to me that I provided essential nutrients to my child in a safe manner.
Therefore, I researched, researched, and, you guessed it, researched. I also consulted my baby’s healthcare provider with any and all questions and concerns that I had. Yes, I can proudly say, I am that parent.
The research plus experience has taught me a few things, which I am thrilled to share with you today.
Tips For Introducing Solid Foods
- Do not introduce solids before 4-6 months (consult your doctor) – Before 4 to 6 months, a baby’s immune and digestive system cannot properly fight allergens or process food. Likewise, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), introducing food too early can also contribute to a baby’s increased risk for obesity as a child and adult. So, it is crucial that you don’t even put cereal in your baby’s bottle. Wait until your healthcare provider tells you that your baby is developmentally ready for solid foods.
- Do not introduce water to your baby until 6-12 months (consult your doctor) – Introducing water too early can cause water intoxication and more. The water should not be used as a replacement for breast milk or formula. In fact, you may give your baby small amounts of water. My children’s healthcare providers have always been adamant about not giving water to babies younger than 12 months old. However, I have read and heard from other mothers that their child’s healthcare provider recommended water at 6 months old. Therefore, I would advise you to confirm with your doctor. Every doctor is different.
- Begin solids with fortified infant cereal, but absolutely avoid infant rice cereal – Not only are you able to control the consistency of infant cereal, but your baby will also recognize the taste of the breast milk or formula that you mix with it. You may also decide to mix it with water, of course, but I personally don’t recommend that. Yuck! Regardless, do not feed your baby any rice cereal. Studies from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have shown traces of arsenic in infant rice cereal. So, that is definitely a no-go. Read more about it here.
- Offer your baby just one to two teaspoons of food the first time – The last thing you want to do is waste food, breast milk, or formula. Proceed with caution. Some babies will refuse the feeding, initially. It’s new and unfamiliar. So, it’s fine. No need to force it. Gradually increase the amount as time goes on. If your baby doesn’t start accepting solid foods, consult your healthcare provider.
- Introduce one flavor of food at a time – Remember, this is your baby’s first time being exposed to solid foods. Therefore, you must feed your child one flavor at a time, in order to be able to recognize the source of any potential food allergy. If your baby has an allergic reaction, you will then be able to pinpoint the cause, using this method. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends you put 3 to 5 days between each new food.
- Do not feed honey to your baby before the age of one – Prior to age 1, honey can cause a serious illness called infant botulism.
- Know when your baby’s had enough to eat – Your baby will signal when he or she is full. Your child will either close his/her lips very tightly, shake his/her head no, cry, turn around, or just act extremely aggravated. If you miss or ignore the signs, he or she will most likely vomit, FORCEFULLY. In the voice of Kevin Hart, “You gon’ learn today.”
- Do not offer any cow’s milk or juice – Neither drink meets infants’ nutritional needs.
- Stay away from unpasteurized milk, juice, or dairy products – Unpasteurized products may contain bacteria that can harm your child.
- Stay away from foods that are choking hazards – These foods include but are not limited to hot dogs, grapes, cherry or grape tomatoes, berries, cherries, raisins, nuts, seeds, candies, peanut butter, string cheese, popcorn, and hard raw fruits and vegetables.
If you aren’t already, I strongly encourage you to be that parent. Don’t be afraid to ask your child’s healthcare provider a lot of questions or express your concerns. Trust me, mothers like myself already have. They’re used to it.
No worries!
This is great information. Again, thank you!
You’re very welcome.