Introducing solid foods: tips

Once solid foods are introduced you are helping them shape their relationship with food and establish a healthy eating style.

The timing for introducing solid foods will depend on the infant, but it is not recommended before the age of four months or after the age of six months.

Each child’s readiness for solid food depends on their own rate of development. Signs a baby may be ready to start solid foods include sitting up with minimal support, demonstrating good head control, bringing objects to the mouth or grasping at small objects. Check with your pediatrician before starting solid foods.

Once your baby can sit up and put his hands or other objects to his mouth, you can introduce finger foods to help him learn to feed himself.

Softer textures are very important when first introducing foods. Infants usually start with pureed or mashed foods around six months.

To prevent choking or choking, make sure everything you give your baby is soft, easy to swallow, and cut into small pieces. Some examples of these foods are: small pieces of banana or banana, crackers or wafer-type cookies, scrambled eggs, well-cooked pasta, well-cooked chicken cut into small pieces, yellow squash, peas and potatoes ) well cooked and sliced.

As infants develop chewing and motor skills, they are able to handle items like soft pieces of fruit and finger foods. As the child ages, a variety of healthful foods is encouraged.

It’s important for your baby to get used to the process of eating: sitting up, spooning food, resting between bites, and stopping when he’s no longer hungry.

And always encourage family meals from the start: Family should eat together!