Babies change and develop at a rapid rate. As soon as we have them settled and sleeping through, they are teething, then solids are upon us bringing a learning experience rich in frustration and joy. There is no need to get stressed about solids, babies have their own special way of letting us know their likes and dislikes. There is also no need to sterilize the ice cube containers in Milton and puree apples endlessly (like I did!). Keep it simple and go at your baby’s pace, yes it will be messy and you may even end up wearing more than she or he eats. It will also be a very happy time for both of you so savour it. In a blink of an eye you will have a teenager like mine eating you out of house and home!!
Jane King
Mother to Emily 8, Cristian 14
Founder of Parenting Australia |
When does baby need solid foods? |
Breast milk, as the preferred choice, or infant formula is important food for babies until at least 12 months of age. It is also essential to introduce solid foods at the right time. At around six months of age, baby’s iron stores are low and extra food is needed to prevent later nutritional problems such as iron deficiency.
Start to introduce solids at around six months of age. Babies are all different; some will be ready to have solids earlier than others. Watch your baby for signs of readiness. Read more below. |
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12 Tips for Starting Solids |
1 - Introduce solids slowly. All babies are different and progress at a different pace.
2 - Start with single foods, introducing a new food every 2-4 days.
3 - Continue breast milk or infant formula until at least one year of age.
4 - There are no hard and fast rules about what foods baby should have and when.
5 - Learn to recognise when baby is interested in eating and when they are full.
6 - Be patient, foods may be spat out at first when learning to eat new textures.
7 - First foods need to be finely mashed and smooth but quickly increase food textures.
8 - Encourage self-feeding from around seven to eight months.
9 - Stay with your child while eating to avoid accidents such as choking.
10 - Mealtimes should be fun, relaxed and happy.
11 - Be a positive role model – children learn to eat by watching other people.
12 - Honey should not be introduced before 12 months (due to risk of infant botulism (bacterial contamination)).
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Got any tips on starting solids? Click Here and let other families know! |
Essential Ingredients for Parents! |
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- Patience
- A relaxed atmosphere
- Protective clothing for floor and parent
- A bib for your baby
- Face washer
- A sense of humour!
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WHEN CAN I USE COW'S MILK?
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Pasteurised full fat cow’s milk may be included in small amounts as custard, yoghurt or on cereal in your baby’s diet. However, cow’s milk should not be your baby’s main drink until after one year of age. Cow’s milk is a poor source of iron and is never a substitute for breast milk or formula in babies under 12 months. Reduced fat milks are not recommended in the first two years of life. |
Remember! |
- Always wash your hands before preparing food and use clean utensils
- A sip cup can be introduced from 6 months
- When appropriate try adapting family meals to be suitable for your child rather than preparing separate meals i.e. puree meats and vegetables used for the family meal.
- Small quantities of food can be frozen in ice cube trays or stored in airtight plastic bags and thawed as needed.
- Commercial baby foods are a suitable alternative if you do not have enough time to prepare meals however try not to over-rely on these as it is important a child tries a variety of different foods to develop taste preferences.
- It is not necessary to add salt, sugar, honey or other flavourings to any food.
- Do not add solids to a bottle. Babies need to learn that there is a difference between eating and drinking.
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