In this article we will be discussing putting your baby on solids. In the UK, the term “weaning” typically refers to introducing solid foods to a baby’s diet. However, many people, particularly those in the US, think “weaning”, which can cause some confusion. Starting your baby on solids is not a decision to stop your baby having milk; your baby will still require plenty of milk throughout the first year of life.
When to Start Your Baby on Solids
Current guidelines recommend waiting until your baby is around six months old before introducing solid foods. Initially, the focus should be on making this a fun and enjoyable experience rather than trying to replace milk as the primary source of nutrition. At this stage, your baby will still receive most of their nutrients from milk.
Methods for Introducing Solids
There are two ways to put your babies on to solids and it is very much a personal choice, as neither way has been shown to be better than the other. Some parents prefer to use one method exclusively, while others combine both.
- Purees: This traditional approach involves offering your baby smooth purees made from fruits, vegetables, or other suitable foods.
- Baby-Led Weaning: In this method, you offer your baby larger pieces of food they can grasp and self-feed. For example, you might provide half a banana with the peel partially intact so your baby can hold it without squishing it, or a steamed broccoli floret that’s soft enough for them to chew.
When you first introduce food, it’s helpful to give your baby some milk beforehand to keep them calm. Initially, your baby might not eat much—perhaps just a teaspoon of carrot puree that goes in and out of their mouth. However, other babies might surprise you by eating several teaspoons before they feel full. Remember, this stage is about exploration and enjoyment.
The key is to remember the baby is in charge, not you. So please let your baby control this process. If you’re baby doesn’t want the food, stop and try again at a later time. It is said that it takes 15 times for a child to truly know that they don’t like a food. So if you offer carrot the first day and your baby spits it out, please try again.
The 7-9 Month Stage
By the time your baby is seven months old, aim for them to experience solid foods three times a day, ideally around breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Remember, every baby is different, and some may not be ready for this routine just yet. Typically, the lunchtime meal will be the largest of the day.
If you give your babies purees, then those purees will need to develop lumps and textures by the time your baby is nine months of age. So between seven and nine months, that food should go from being smooth to being gritty and ground and then actually having distinct little lumps in it. If you’re unsure what this looks like, check out the jars of baby food at the supermarket labeled for nine-month-olds, which contain tiny bits of pasta, carrots, peas, and ground meat.
Conclusion
Weaning your baby onto solids should be an enjoyable experience. Allow your baby to guide the process, and make it as much about learning and exploring new tastes and textures as it is about eating. Begin solids around six months, aim for three small meals a day by seven months, and introduce textures and lumps between seven and nine months. Lastly, don’t forget to introduce allergy-prone foods (e.g. purees or baby-led weaning that incorporates dairy, egg and peanuts/peanut butter) early, under guidance if needed.
