How to tell if your Baby is ready for solid food
…and how to make that transition as easy as possible.
I cannot believe that it’s already here. The time from when I’m strictly the food source to where my husband and I consider the transition from only breastmilk to introducing solid food, or “second foods” if you will. My little Bodie-Bot has hit the 6month mark, and what a whirlwind it has been. It seems like only yesterday that I brought him home from the hospital and was freaking out about getting and maintaining a milk supply, and now we’re trying to figure out what foods to puree for him for the first time. It’s an exciting time, because our little boy is growing strong, but sad as well.
In terms of introducing new foods, everyone in the family is really excited about it, especially grandma and auntie. I think everyone is looking forward to feeling like they have more of a “role” in the food time session. However, just because the magic number 6 has appeared doesn’t necessarily mean your little boy/girl will 100% be ready to depend on family foods as a nutrition source, or even 50%. All babies will develop at their own time and it is important to read their skill sets to see if they are ready.
Some common things to look for in a developmentally ready little one include:
Are the sitting up yet? Ideally those ready to start solids should be able to sit up unsupported, or with very little support. The rationale on this one is easy- if they can’t sit up it’s really not safe for them to eat!
Is the extrusion reflex still apparent? What happens when you stick some puree in your little guy’s mouth- is he able to hold it in his mouth and gum at it or does he immediately stick out his tongue with food still on it? Over here we’re the latter, which is often a sign of “Hold on Mom, not ready yet!” Some parent/pediatricians will say for you to keep going with it, which I agree- but only for your little guy to learn food basics, not for actual nutrition.
Do you notice more drool at dinner time? Does it seem like your baby is actually noticing food? Eyeing down your breakfast bacon or salivating just a bit more at the sweet potato you’ve mashed. All of this can be signs that your little one is gearing up to chow down.
Are they grabbing? I was taught to not even offer a child food until they’re grabbing it from your plate- and I think this is great advice! When your child gets more “grabby” is a perfect time to consider introducing little tidbits at the dinner table. And an introducing to proper food utensils.
If you can answer yes to all of these questions then DING DING DING! We have a baby that’s ready for some solids!As for Bodie, he’s not 100% yet, and that’s ok. I want to continue breastfeeding for as long as possible anyway
But, that doesn’t mean we still can’t have fun experimenting and having fun in the kitchen. Stay tuned for some great baby food recipes.
Thanks for stopping by!Happy munchkins and mommies,
- Petra
Originally published at mommiesnmunchkins.net.
