Baby’s First Bite

A Guide to Introducing Solid Foods

Hey there, mums and dads.

Have you read Greendigo’s blog, titled, “Solid Foods for Teeny Weeny Gobblers”?

Because our team answered 4 of the most common questions relating to solid foods and its journey to your little one’s tummy.

If you happened to miss out on that one, don’t fret.

This post talks about how you can get your baby started on solid foods.

We’ll be dishing out the yummy details.

But first,

Is your baby ready to move on from the breast?

Slurp on this fact - breastmilk (or formula) is the only kind of nourishment your newborn requires.

So much so that it’s recommended that babies stay on this liquid diet up to the 4–6-month mark.

After all, a mother’s milk is packed with all the essential nutrients a baby needs to develop and grow.

Plus, you don’t want to rush your baby with solid foods and have them choking.

Once they’ve crossed the half-year threshold, they will begin depicting signs of readiness to consume solid foods.

At this stage, solid foods should be used to complement breastmilk or formula.

One important thing to note is, during this period, infants will stop using their tongues to push food of out of their mouths (tongue extrusion reflex).

What they will do, instead, is move the food from the front to the back for the purpose of swallowing.

Other cues that will communicate a baby’s preparedness for solid foods includes:

1. Holding up the head in a steady and upright position.
2. Sitting on a chair with back support.
3. Learning forward.
4. Gesticulating with the hands.
5. Trying to grab the spoon.
6. Opening wide for a spoonful.
7. Swallowing food as opposed to spitting it out.
8. Feeling hunger pangs even after breastfeeding.

Noticed some or all of the above signs?

Well, it’s time to lay out a spread of solids!

How to kickstart your baby’s solid food journey

There’s a solid chance that you will benefit from these tips curated by our health experts.

Simple and easy-to-implement, these hacks will help your bub enjoy the grub.

1. Make sure your baby is being fed in an upright position. This will ensure better digestion, as well as prevent spit ups.

2. Start by puréeing a fruit such as an apple, banana, peach, pair, or chikoo. It’s delicious and oh-so easy to digest.

3. Move on to steaming, and smashing up, vegetables like carrots, sweet potato, broccoli, pumpkin, mung beans and French beans.

4. Begin by serving a very small quantity (2 teaspoons or 1 tablespoon at lunch) and gradually increase the portion (2 tablespoons at breakfast and lunch).

5. Introduce a new solid every three to four days. That way, you can check for any allergic reactions and cross it off your solid foods list.

6. Refrain from using salt, sugar and honey in your baby’s food.

7. As your child grows, switch from purées to mashed foods with lumps and textures. Try serving minced or chopped food.

Refer to our previous blog for a round up of all the solid foods, plus its nutrient components.

Nom-nom, little one!