Most paediatricians say around six months is the appropriate age to start feeding babies solid foods. At this age babies begin to need the extra iron which solids such as cereal and veggies can provide. Prior to the half-year mark babies’ mouths and intestines aren’t ready to process solids, so there is little point in trying to force early progress in this area. Dr. Sears among others suggest parents watch baby to for cues that she might want to start eating solids. Such cues can include grabbing for food and mimicking the way you eat. New foods, experts say, should be added one by one. Teaching about new flavours and textures, rather than goal-oriented eating is the objective. Not overwhelming your kid is key. Paediatricians also advise that up until a baby is about a year old, solids are only a supplement to breast milk or formula. As for what foods to feed, most advise various non-allergenic low-acid fruits and vegetables that are easy to mash and have fun textures. Experts also agree it is a bad idea to force babies to eat up or clean their plates, as this can teach bad habits in terms of over-eating.
Dr. Sears
"Starting Solid Foods"
"Ready to open your baby’s mouth to a whole new world of textures and tastes? Is baby ready to open her mouth? Get ready for the joys — and the mess — of eating solid foods. When you begin feeding your baby solid foods you want to progress in a way that sets baby up for healthy eating habits.” …read the full article
BabyCenter Australia®
“Introducing Solid Foods”
"Waiting until six months to introduce solid foods into your baby’s diet will help minimise the risk of her developing adverse reactions to foods and allergies. This is particularly important if you have a family history of allergies, as the incidence of adverse food reactions, allergies and coeliac disease does decrease if you delay weaning until this time." …read the full article
Children, Youth And Women’s Health
"Foods For Babies: How And When To Start"
"Starting new foods (solids) is a big step for a baby and it often takes babies a while to get used to this new way of eating. If you watch for your baby to be ready and take it at the baby’s pace your baby will probably soon enjoy trying new foods and tastes. " …read the full article
Raising Children Network
“Introducing Solids”
"Table manners aren’t going to come just yet, but if you spend at least one meal a day together as a family, your baby will learn from seeing how you all behave at the table. And staying calm and patient with your baby’s mess with solids will also help her learn that mealtimes are a time to be relaxed. Spreading newspaper or plastic under the highchair can make cleaning up easier. Have a washcloth handy." …read the full article
Children’s Hospital Westmead
"Introduction To Solids"
"When introducing solids, human milk or formula should still be the main beverage. However, extra fluid may be needed (boiled, cooled water is best)… Soft drinks, sports drinks and cordials should be avoided as these can lead to dental caries, reduce your child’s appetite for nutritious foods and are high in sugar but lack other nutrients." …read the full article
