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So you want to know when to start solids. Let’s unpack it all!
I never REALLY understood what parents meant when they said their kids grew up so fast. It wasn’t until becoming a mom myself that I TRULY understood how true that phrase is. I remember when it was time to introduce solids to my little darling AND I WAS SHOCKED that this day had finally come.
I am sure you will feel the same way when the day finally comes for your little one to eat solids. Maybe the day has already arrived. Before diving into when to start solids, I highly recommend that you buy a LifeVac choking device. Hopefully, you never have to use this, but having one in your home will bring you peace of mind. I bought mine BEFORE introducing solids.
Let’s unpack when to start solids and other helpful tidbits that will make feeding your little one super easy.
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So When To Start Solids?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solids to your baby around 6 months old. As a mama who has been there and done that, I recommend looking for signs of readiness from 4 months on. This way you are giving yourself time to decide whether or not your child is ready.
You should ALSO take advantage of your pediatrician’s expertise and ask them for their insight on introducing solids. They will help you decide when to start solids.
By the way- After consulting with my pediatrician on when to introduce each food, I made a baby food chart by age. It is categorized by age, food type, and even includes a section for notes. Click below to grab your free baby food chart.
Signs of Readiness
- Sitting: Your baby can sit on their own.
- Good head and neck control: Your baby can hold their head up steadily.
- Reaches for food: Your baby reaches for your food and can bring their hand to their mouth.
- Interest: Your baby shows interest in watching you eat. They watch you and lean toward the food. As if they are saying yum, yum, give me some!
Choose How You’ll Introduce Food
Before getting into when to start solids, you will want to decide HOW you want to introduce food.
Do you feel more comfortable with purees or baby led weaning? If you opt to introduce purees first, will you be making your own baby food? Or will you buy store-bought baby food?
I began with purees and I decided to make my own baby food. There are too many perks to making your own baby food. I liked knowing EXACTLY what was in it, feeding my daughter delicious and nutritious food, and saving money too. Check, check, and check!
If you decide to make your own baby food, this food processor makes baby food making a breeze. I couldn’t have done it without this trusted sidekick. If you want to make your own food, let the post below be your guide!
(RELATED POST: A Complete Guide On How To Make Your Own Baby Food)
Puree vs. Baby Led Weaning
So you know when to start solids, but let’s talk a bit more about how to introduce solids.
Feeding babies pureed food is very traditional. Both puree and baby-led weaning are very popular styles of feeding babies. With baby-led weaning, you are preparing the same meal for the whole family INSTEAD OF making specific food for your baby. Of course, you may have to make some modifications for your little darling, but they are generally eating what the family is eating. Finger foods are perfect for baby-led weaning!
Ultimately you will have to decide which method is easiest for your family and what makes you feel MOST comfortable.
Gather the Food Essentials
Here are all the feeding necessities that our family LOVED and I feel confident you will love them just as much. They made introducing solids tremendously easier.
- Highchair- This is the highchair we used and loved. We JUST transitioned our daughter to a booster seat.
- Bibs- These are great bibs for spills and OH YES you need them. Another great perk is that they are easy to clean. They are machine washable.
- Spoons- These are perfect for introducing solids. The tips are heat-sensitive and turn white if your child’s food is too hot.
- Bowls- These popular bowls are great for introducing solids AND are also practical for your toddler to use. Easily suction these onto the tray of your highchair or tabletop.
- Food Processor- I used this food processor ALL THE TIME. Besides the fact that it blends puress beautifully, it can also be used for various kitchen tasks. Chopping, slicing, and for dough too! If you are making your own baby food, do yourself a favor and buy this.
- Crinkle Cutter- If you decide to go the baby-led weaning route, you MUST have a crinkle cutter. I use this to slice avocados, bananas, and make homemade french fries. This tool makes gripping food so much easier for your little darling. Plus, crinkle cutters make food more fun! Don’t you think?
- LifeVac- Choking is a worry for MANY mamas. Do your family a favor and grab a LifeVac before introducing solids.
Commit to the First Food
Whether you are going the puree or baby-led weaning route, pick what food you will introduce first! This can be a difficult task. We chose to introduce purple sweet potatoes first. Avocados were second. If you are looking for some quick and easy recipes to whip up for your little one, check out the post below for help!
(RELATED POST: 5 Super Nutritious Baby Food Recipes 6-8 Months That Every Mama Needs)
Stick to a Routine
Your baby still relies on breastmilk or formula, so make introducing solids fun! Carve out time one to two times a day to feed your little one solid food. Having a schedule in place makes life so much easier!
Tips for Success
- Have fun- This is a major milestone. So have fun with introducing solids! I always loved watching my daughter’s reactions to her purees. Some were better than others!
- Be patient- Your baby won’t love EVERYTHING. There may be times when they are resisting food. Have patience and keep encouraging your little one to try. Sometimes it takes a handful of tries before your baby tries a particular food and decides they like it.
- Buy a LifeVac- This is something you will hopefully NEVER have to use. It is so important to have handy just in case your baby is choking. This was something I made sure to buy BEFORE introducing solids.
- Make your food in bulk- Making your food in bulk is insanely helpful. This food processor will be your best friend. These baby food jars are great for storing your baby food. You can keep these in the fridge AND the freezer. I continue to use these jars as my daughter is now a toddler. They’re also perfect for storing snacks.
- Mix breastmilk or formula to the puree- If you want a thinner consistency, mix breastmilk or formula into the puree.
Did you remember to grab your baby food chart? This will help you plan when to introduce each food!
This post was all about when to start solids.
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