Abbie Tomson
Midwife MSc, BSc, Yoga Teacher, Project Lead at All4Birth
@enevlorel @All4Birth
Summary
Introducing solids is an exciting milestone in your baby’s first year of life. As your baby transitions from breast milk or formula to a variety of foods, you’ll help them explore new tastes and textures while laying the foundation for healthy eating habits. This guide will cover when to start introducing solids, signs of readiness, and tips for a smooth transition.
When to Start Introducing Solids
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the NHS recommend starting solids around 6 months of age. Before 6 months, breast milk or formula provides all the nutrition your baby needs. Introducing solids earlier than this can increase the risk of allergies, infections, and choking. However, every baby is different, and some may show readiness a little earlier or later.
Recent research has emphasised the importance of the timing of introducing solids:
– A study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that introducing allergenic foods like peanuts between 4-6 months may help prevent food allergies in high-risk infants.
– According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), starting solids at around 6 months supports the baby’s nutritional needs while also providing critical developmental benefits, such as improved oral motor function.
– The NHS also supports the introduction of solids at around 6 months, noting that breast milk or formula should continue to be a significant part of the diet throughout the first year.
Signs of Readiness for Solids
Here are some key signs that your baby is ready to start solids:
- Sitting Up with Minimal Support: Your baby should be able to sit upright and hold their head steady. This is crucial for safe swallowing.
- Good Hand-Eye Coordination: Your baby should be able to pick up food and bring it to their mouth on their own.
- Showing Interest in Food: If your baby starts watching you eat, reaching for your food, or opening their mouth when food is offered, it’s a good sign they’re ready
- Loss of the Tongue-Thrust Reflex: Babies are born with a reflex that makes them push food out of their mouths with their tongues. By 6 months, this reflex typically fades, allowing babies to start swallowing solids.
How to Start Introducing Solids
When you’re ready to introduce solids, follow these steps to make the transition smooth and enjoyable for you and your baby.
- Start with Single Foods: Begin with single-ingredient purees or soft foods, like mashed vegetables or fruits. This allows you to monitor for any allergic reactions. Common first foods include carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, and bananas.
- Introduce New Foods Gradually: Introduce new foods one at a time, waiting 3-5 days before trying another. This makes it easier to identify any food allergies or sensitivities.
- Focus on Iron-Rich Foods: At around 6 months, your baby’s iron stores start to deplete, so it’s important to include iron-rich foods. Good options include pureed meats, lentils, and iron-fortified cereals.
- Offer a Variety of Textures: Once your baby is comfortable with purees, gradually introduce lumpier textures and finger foods. This helps develop their chewing skills and encourages self-feeding.
- Avoid high Salt, Sugar, and Honey: Babies don’t have much salt in their diet. Honey should be avoided until after 12 months, as it can cause infant botulism, a rare but serious illness.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Follow Your Baby’s Cues: Let your baby guide the feeding process. Offer food when they’re alert and happy, and don’t force them to eat if they’re not interested.
- Keep Breastfeeding or Formula: Continue breastfeeding or offering formula alongside solids until at least 12 months. These should still be your baby’s main source of nutrition during the first year.
- Make Mealtimes Enjoyable: Eat together as a family to create a positive mealtime environment. Your baby learns by watching you, so modelling healthy eating habits is important.
- Be Patient: It can take several tries before a baby accepts a new food. If your baby rejects a food, try offering it again in a few days.
- Stay Safe: Always supervise your baby while they’re eating to prevent choking. Avoid offering hard, small foods like nuts or whole grapes that can easily become lodged in the throat.
Common Concerns and How to Address Them
- Gagging: Gagging is a normal reflex as babies learn to swallow solids. It’s different from choking, and while it can be alarming, it’s usually not a cause for concern. Keep calm and let your baby work through it.
- Allergies: When introducing allergenic foods like peanuts, eggs, or dairy, do so in small amounts and monitor your baby closely for any reactions. Studies, including the LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy) trial, suggest that introducing allergens early can reduce the risk of developing allergies, particularly in high-risk infants.
- Constipation: Some babies may experience constipation when starting solids. To help, offer foods that are high in fibre (like prunes and pears) and ensure your baby is drinking plenty of fluids.
- Refusal to Eat: It’s normal for babies to refuse food at times. If this happens, try offering the food in a different form or mixing it with something they like. Don’t force your baby to eat; instead, try again later.
Links to other resources
Books
BooksThe Baby-Led Weaning Cookbook by Gill Rapley and Tracey Murkett
Real Food for Babies and Toddlers* by Kath Megaw
First Foods: A Parent’s Guide to Solids by Sara Patience
Film Audio, Podcasts and Apps
Film Audio, Podcasts and AppsBaby Buddy app, created by the Best Beginnings Charity
Weaning Sense by Kath Megaw and Meg Faure
The Baby-Led Weaning Made Easy by Katie Ferraro
The Parent Hood by Marina Fogle and Dr. Chiara Hunt
Solid Starts App
Websites
WebsitesTommy’s Weaning Advice
References
1. Du Toit, G., Roberts, G., Sayre, P. H., Bahnson, H. T., Radulovic, S., Santos, A. F., … & Lack, G. (2015). Randomized trial of peanut consumption in infants at risk for peanut allergy. *The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology*, 135(3), 721-728. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2014.12.013
2. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012). Policy statement: Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. *Pediatrics*, 129(3), e827-e841. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2011-3552
3. National Health Service (NHS). (2019). Your baby’s first solid foods. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/weaning
4. Domellöf, M., Braegger, C., Campoy, C., Colomb, V., Decsi, T., Fewtrell, M., … & ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. (2014). Iron requirements of infants and toddlers. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 58(1), 119-129. https://doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000000206
