I am definitely not an expert here as I've never even gotten through weaning one child yet. My only knowledge is from what I've read, what I believe and of course experienced parents who have done this a number of times.
Weaning is the process of introducing an infant to what will eventually be it's adult diet. "Starting solids" is also a common phrase. It is also the process of increasing the solid intake and lessening the breast milk or formula intake. It does not mean taking away the formula or breast milk from baby's diet. Many mother's breast feed until close to two years old (some even longer). Typically a formula fed baby is switched over to milk at one year. I always thought this was supposed to be whole milk but recently read that if a child is predisposed to obesity or overweight for their size already that 2% milk can be given (I'm sure this would be determined by your doctor). Some parents also chose to go with soy milk or other types of milk. This should also be discussed with your doctor in case supplements are needed to provide full nutrition. Do not cut out breast milk or formula with the introduction of solids. As my doctor put it when I asked about when it was appropriate to replace a meal fully with solids...formula (or breast milk) is important for your baby because it provides the full nutrition they need whereas solids are only providing bits and pieces at this point.
From a handout my pediatrician gave me: Infants 0-4 months should have 5-10 feedings a day (16-32 oz). Infants 6 months of age should have 4-7 feedings a day (24-40 oz). Infants 6-8 months should have 3-5 feedings a day (24-31 oz). Infants 8-10 months should get 3-4 feedings a day (16-32 oz). Infants 10-12 months should have 3-4 feedings a day (16-24 oz). A feeding is breast milk or formula and does not include the amount of solids your child is eating. For more information on solids and amounts to give refer to your doctor. This is simply a guideline I was given and is not meant to substitute medical advice.
Baby Led Weaning. Many parents also practice or use baby led weaning. I hadn't heard of this until I started reading up on solids. Basically it is allowing your baby the opportunity to express interest in the food you are eating and to not introduce solids or food before this point. Some parents just start offering the same food that they are eating (probably pureed or put through a food mill for texture depending on the age of the child). This would also include age appropriate food that isn't at a high risk for allergens.
Showing posts with label starting solids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label starting solids. Show all posts
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Traveling With Baby...
We recently made a trip to Florida to see my parents so I thought I would share some of the things I learned while preparing and while flying with the girls and all of their gear. Most of these tips are regarding air travel. Check with your airline and also check with TSA's website for tips regarding travel with children also.
Baby Food - during travel
1. You can bring pre-mixed formula bottles through security but you can not bring water alone through security (at least from what I read). I always fed the girls a few hours before our take-off and then made a hot bottle of formula to put in the diaper bag. It cooled enough to feed them at take off. Security / TSA never had issues with the bottles, baby food, juice or formula (although they did some extra testing on the formula that they had us observe).
2. Feed your child at takeoff and descent to avoid earaches or pain. You can also use a binkie, teething rings and toys they like to gnaw on if you have bad timing. I brought juice as a "bribe" for my girls to drink if I needed them to. We fed them at take off but didn't seem to have issues with landing although I had diluted juice at the ready if needed.
3. TSA security allows for baby food, formula, breast milk and juice for your child in reasonable quantities. Their site advises on travel with children. There is not specific measurements only "reasonable quantities" for your need of travel. I brought a small 8 oz canister of formula, two small 4 oz juices, two 4 oz containers with my homemade baby food inside and some baby cereal with no issues whatsoever. I also had two 8 oz bottles of premixed formula and 6 extra bottles for feedings. I found TSA agents to be extremely helpful with our travel.
4. Be organized and prepared for TSA security check. Make sure your liquids (including baby food) are pulled out of diaper bags or carry-on luggage. I packed a separate thermos type bag just to simplify things for myself with the baby food items. Use your quart size bags and know where you place these in bags for quick pull out and inspection.
5. Need to make bottles...think Starbucks (or at least we did). We simply got a small hot water and a larger cold water and mixed them together. The hot water was scalding though so be careful in the water temp before feeding your child. Also many other restaurant and eatery style places were happy to provide water if needed but we liked the control over the temperature with Starbucks (plus you can find one in every airport and frequently too).
Baby Food and Needs - at your destination
1. If you have someone you are visiting it is to your advantage to have them pick up things ahead of time if needed (diapers, formula, food) so that you can save trips and pain when you arrive. If you don't have someone it is still easier to purchase these items upon arrival (especially as you realize you run out of pack space and weight limit quickly).
2. I packed ice cube trays and travel containers. We purchased a few of their favorite foods and made enough to last a week using my parents blender. You can also purchase take-n-toss type styles that are cheaper. I brought take-n-toss sippies to the airport just due to concern that security might not allow for the amount of extra bottles and containers that I was bringing (they did with no problem).
3. I have heard of people using little bags to keep outfits together in their diaper bags to reduce the need to dig for items. I didn't do this but just packed coordinating clothes for any accidents. I also changed the girls immediately prior to take off and during layovers while in the airport to avoid changing them on the plane. For longer flights you would obviously want to change them on the plane and in the facilities on the plane.
4. Purchase new toys that your children haven't seen or played with. Also take away their favorite toys for a week prior to travel so that they seem new and exciting again (or at least they are sure to appreciate them). I chose toys that were quiet and not annoying to show courtesy to our fellow passengers. I also chose toys that could be used with links or strapped on with binkie tethers so that if my girls tossed the toy or dropped it I wasn't on my hands and knees looking for it.
Other Tips:
- If you are traveling with multiples or more than one child and planning to use "Infant in Arms" (where a child can fly for free on your lap until the age of 2) then I would strongly suggest calling a reservation assistant and also locking in your seats if possible. I arranged our seats online far ahead of time and everything was fine until we showed up to check in and all of the sudden our seats were not compatible with the air mask capacity of where we were assigned. My belief is that an agent moved our seats next to each other without checking our special needs (ie Infant in Arms). We had to hassle the gate agent to arrange our seats closer together as all of our packing was based on sharing a diaper bag and being within arms reach of each other for this purpose. We also had trouble with this on the flight home when our first flight was cancelled and our new flight was not arranged with Infant in Arms in mind. Check your seats and check with your gate agent to confirm your seats prior to boarding.
-Bag your car seats or rent them. If you are renting a car at your destination I have heard you can also rent car seats. We didn't rent a car or seats but I like the idea and if we travel again I would consider this (depending on the fee). You can check car seats for free with most airlines. Also you are allowed to gate check them and if there is a free seat in your row you can also be permitted to use the car seat if it is approved (this does come with the hassle of car seats through security and the airport for a small chance of using them). I recommend just checking them if you did not purchase a seat for your child(ren). We double bagged ours in large black trash bags and then used duct tape over the top to wrap around the handle and sun visor of the seat. Worked like a charm. Pack extra bags and throw your duct tape in your checked bag for the return flight and you're set.
**some of this is really simple and some of it won't apply to your situation. I probably missed some things. But how I wish someone would have layed out the basics for me so I didn't have to hunt down the best strategies...therefore here I am laying it out the way I found most helpful**
Baby Food - during travel
1. You can bring pre-mixed formula bottles through security but you can not bring water alone through security (at least from what I read). I always fed the girls a few hours before our take-off and then made a hot bottle of formula to put in the diaper bag. It cooled enough to feed them at take off. Security / TSA never had issues with the bottles, baby food, juice or formula (although they did some extra testing on the formula that they had us observe).
2. Feed your child at takeoff and descent to avoid earaches or pain. You can also use a binkie, teething rings and toys they like to gnaw on if you have bad timing. I brought juice as a "bribe" for my girls to drink if I needed them to. We fed them at take off but didn't seem to have issues with landing although I had diluted juice at the ready if needed.
3. TSA security allows for baby food, formula, breast milk and juice for your child in reasonable quantities. Their site advises on travel with children. There is not specific measurements only "reasonable quantities" for your need of travel. I brought a small 8 oz canister of formula, two small 4 oz juices, two 4 oz containers with my homemade baby food inside and some baby cereal with no issues whatsoever. I also had two 8 oz bottles of premixed formula and 6 extra bottles for feedings. I found TSA agents to be extremely helpful with our travel.
4. Be organized and prepared for TSA security check. Make sure your liquids (including baby food) are pulled out of diaper bags or carry-on luggage. I packed a separate thermos type bag just to simplify things for myself with the baby food items. Use your quart size bags and know where you place these in bags for quick pull out and inspection.
5. Need to make bottles...think Starbucks (or at least we did). We simply got a small hot water and a larger cold water and mixed them together. The hot water was scalding though so be careful in the water temp before feeding your child. Also many other restaurant and eatery style places were happy to provide water if needed but we liked the control over the temperature with Starbucks (plus you can find one in every airport and frequently too).
Baby Food and Needs - at your destination
1. If you have someone you are visiting it is to your advantage to have them pick up things ahead of time if needed (diapers, formula, food) so that you can save trips and pain when you arrive. If you don't have someone it is still easier to purchase these items upon arrival (especially as you realize you run out of pack space and weight limit quickly).
2. I packed ice cube trays and travel containers. We purchased a few of their favorite foods and made enough to last a week using my parents blender. You can also purchase take-n-toss type styles that are cheaper. I brought take-n-toss sippies to the airport just due to concern that security might not allow for the amount of extra bottles and containers that I was bringing (they did with no problem).
3. I have heard of people using little bags to keep outfits together in their diaper bags to reduce the need to dig for items. I didn't do this but just packed coordinating clothes for any accidents. I also changed the girls immediately prior to take off and during layovers while in the airport to avoid changing them on the plane. For longer flights you would obviously want to change them on the plane and in the facilities on the plane.
4. Purchase new toys that your children haven't seen or played with. Also take away their favorite toys for a week prior to travel so that they seem new and exciting again (or at least they are sure to appreciate them). I chose toys that were quiet and not annoying to show courtesy to our fellow passengers. I also chose toys that could be used with links or strapped on with binkie tethers so that if my girls tossed the toy or dropped it I wasn't on my hands and knees looking for it.
Other Tips:
- If you are traveling with multiples or more than one child and planning to use "Infant in Arms" (where a child can fly for free on your lap until the age of 2) then I would strongly suggest calling a reservation assistant and also locking in your seats if possible. I arranged our seats online far ahead of time and everything was fine until we showed up to check in and all of the sudden our seats were not compatible with the air mask capacity of where we were assigned. My belief is that an agent moved our seats next to each other without checking our special needs (ie Infant in Arms). We had to hassle the gate agent to arrange our seats closer together as all of our packing was based on sharing a diaper bag and being within arms reach of each other for this purpose. We also had trouble with this on the flight home when our first flight was cancelled and our new flight was not arranged with Infant in Arms in mind. Check your seats and check with your gate agent to confirm your seats prior to boarding.
-Bag your car seats or rent them. If you are renting a car at your destination I have heard you can also rent car seats. We didn't rent a car or seats but I like the idea and if we travel again I would consider this (depending on the fee). You can check car seats for free with most airlines. Also you are allowed to gate check them and if there is a free seat in your row you can also be permitted to use the car seat if it is approved (this does come with the hassle of car seats through security and the airport for a small chance of using them). I recommend just checking them if you did not purchase a seat for your child(ren). We double bagged ours in large black trash bags and then used duct tape over the top to wrap around the handle and sun visor of the seat. Worked like a charm. Pack extra bags and throw your duct tape in your checked bag for the return flight and you're set.
**some of this is really simple and some of it won't apply to your situation. I probably missed some things. But how I wish someone would have layed out the basics for me so I didn't have to hunt down the best strategies...therefore here I am laying it out the way I found most helpful**
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Favorite Baby Food Gear (so far)...
I thought I would do a little review of baby feeding gear that I have loved (and some I've disliked) so far....
SPOONS
I have only purchased and used these spoons so I guess I don't have a lot to compare them to. In reading the reviews I know some people are displeased with the handle-heavy design and say it tips out of bowls and makes messes easily. I have only had this happen once.
I love the handle and design as it makes it easier for me to hold. I also like that the spoon basin is deeper allowing more food or at minimum holding liquid food better. I also discovered if you lay them facing down on the counter the basin end doesn't touch. I usually only scoop a little on the tip so it's not overload but I think these will adapt nicely as my girls become better at eating.
BLENDER (small)
I LOVE THIS! Mine is a Cooks 5 in 1 Blender through JCPenney ($30 sale or $60 retail) that my parents gave us for Christmas. This works awesome! If you only have one child I would recommend one of these. Typically I can make close to a full ice cube tray with one glass. It purees like a champ and I have heard that the pulsing action works awesome for once baby is ready for textures.
I also love that the clean up is beyond simple. Twist the plastic cup off of the base with blade to dispense baby food then rinse it out and toss in the dishwasher. The base with blade is also dishwasher safe. Just super easy clean up.
BOWLS
I have also tried the Nuk bowls
and I have settled into these. The Nuk bowls are good but shallow so I found it harder to mix cereal without spilling. I also wasn't able to fit as much food in them.
These bowls are deeper. They are microwave safe. I pop a few ice cubes of food in them, pop them in the microwave til the food is piping hot and the allow it to cool down while the girls have a bottle. I haven't really transported food in them yet so I can't comment on the lids. I have read they are problematic but in trying them out I didn't see an issue.
BLENDER (large)
This is another item that we had in the kitchen for our use that has turned into a baby food making tool. I am definitely of the opinion that there is no need to spend extra cash when your basic blender will serve your needs perfectly for the first few months your child is on solids. The more you spend just to make the food the more you are cutting down on your savings. There are some things I considered (such as a combination steamer/blender specifically made for baby food) but I decided not to spend on something I would only use for 6 months.
I use my large blender for bulk projects. I have used it for sweet potatoes and green beans. Works great. A little more clean-up but more effective for large batches.
MICROWAVE STEAMER
I use a large Pampered Chef microwave steamer. I'm not affiliated with Pampered Chef but I occasionally purchase items from my sister-in-law.
I really like this. Not only can I steam baby food in it, I really like putting my own veggies in it to steam. It is fast and effective. I have used this for carrots, parsnips and frozen peas. Perhaps there is a naturalist reason to avoid the microwave but I like my microwave steamer as it fits as much, if not more, than my steamer basket.
PASTRY BAG
I personally like using a pastry bag to dispense the baby food purees into the ice cube trays but I have tried it with a regular tablespoon so I know a pastry bag isn't 100% necessary. I just feel like it cuts down on the time to go back and forth from the bowl plus cutting down on the mess too.
I use a reusable bag with a medium/small round "dot" tip so I can put my finger over it while I fill up the bag. Plus since the bag is reusable it is a stiffer material making this possible with liquid purees (it's obvious they were built for icing haha). I then rinse out and wash the bag and throw the tip in with my nipple/bottle basket
and into the dishwasher.
HIGH CHAIR
I LOVE THIS!! It is super versatile (can be used from infant up to 4 years of age) and considering it's a space saver style it moves in plenty of ways. I saw a video online for this when the girls were brand-new and knew I'd found my seat. It has a 5-point harness (can reduce to 3-point when older), it tilts back for infant feeding (5 positions- also nice for subtle tilt when baby isn't quite ready for sitting up straight but is good with solids), it swivels so you don't have to move your chair (7 positions), it has a soft yet washable cover that is reversible, it includes a feeding tray with a removable "serving" tray,etc. Can you tell I can't say enough good about this? Only con I have found is that my table has a lip (for decorative drawers) underneath so the chair doesn't slide under. But I plan to buy some cheap and shorter chairs to remedy this mild problem.
With twins I super-love this. I can put them in the chair for a bottle and feed them at the same time (with the swivel feature I don't even have to move my chairs) and then when the bottle is done and it's time for some baby food I just tilt it upright again and BAM...ready to go! Awesome! I can tell this is going to be an asset as they get bigger.
OTHER: Ice cube trays
(I got mine 2/$1 at Shopko on a summer special bin - awesome for freezer/storage), Freezer Bags
(I bought gallon size at my local bulk store - but I would recommend quart size unless you are freezing bulk), Mix and Masher
(effective for soft fruits- avacado, bananas,etc - but so is a fork), paring knives
(I like that these are small and effective to trim fruit), vegetable peeler
(I use this for vegetables and fruit - peeling fruit while cold helps). I'll add more or review more as I go.
SPOONS
I have only purchased and used these spoons so I guess I don't have a lot to compare them to. In reading the reviews I know some people are displeased with the handle-heavy design and say it tips out of bowls and makes messes easily. I have only had this happen once.
I love the handle and design as it makes it easier for me to hold. I also like that the spoon basin is deeper allowing more food or at minimum holding liquid food better. I also discovered if you lay them facing down on the counter the basin end doesn't touch. I usually only scoop a little on the tip so it's not overload but I think these will adapt nicely as my girls become better at eating.
BLENDER (small)
I LOVE THIS! Mine is a Cooks 5 in 1 Blender through JCPenney ($30 sale or $60 retail) that my parents gave us for Christmas. This works awesome! If you only have one child I would recommend one of these. Typically I can make close to a full ice cube tray with one glass. It purees like a champ and I have heard that the pulsing action works awesome for once baby is ready for textures.
I also love that the clean up is beyond simple. Twist the plastic cup off of the base with blade to dispense baby food then rinse it out and toss in the dishwasher. The base with blade is also dishwasher safe. Just super easy clean up.
BOWLS
I have also tried the Nuk bowls
and I have settled into these. The Nuk bowls are good but shallow so I found it harder to mix cereal without spilling. I also wasn't able to fit as much food in them. These bowls are deeper. They are microwave safe. I pop a few ice cubes of food in them, pop them in the microwave til the food is piping hot and the allow it to cool down while the girls have a bottle. I haven't really transported food in them yet so I can't comment on the lids. I have read they are problematic but in trying them out I didn't see an issue.
BLENDER (large)
This is another item that we had in the kitchen for our use that has turned into a baby food making tool. I am definitely of the opinion that there is no need to spend extra cash when your basic blender will serve your needs perfectly for the first few months your child is on solids. The more you spend just to make the food the more you are cutting down on your savings. There are some things I considered (such as a combination steamer/blender specifically made for baby food) but I decided not to spend on something I would only use for 6 months.
I use my large blender for bulk projects. I have used it for sweet potatoes and green beans. Works great. A little more clean-up but more effective for large batches.
MICROWAVE STEAMER
I use a large Pampered Chef microwave steamer. I'm not affiliated with Pampered Chef but I occasionally purchase items from my sister-in-law.
I really like this. Not only can I steam baby food in it, I really like putting my own veggies in it to steam. It is fast and effective. I have used this for carrots, parsnips and frozen peas. Perhaps there is a naturalist reason to avoid the microwave but I like my microwave steamer as it fits as much, if not more, than my steamer basket.
PASTRY BAG
I personally like using a pastry bag to dispense the baby food purees into the ice cube trays but I have tried it with a regular tablespoon so I know a pastry bag isn't 100% necessary. I just feel like it cuts down on the time to go back and forth from the bowl plus cutting down on the mess too.
I use a reusable bag with a medium/small round "dot" tip so I can put my finger over it while I fill up the bag. Plus since the bag is reusable it is a stiffer material making this possible with liquid purees (it's obvious they were built for icing haha). I then rinse out and wash the bag and throw the tip in with my nipple/bottle basket
and into the dishwasher.HIGH CHAIR
I LOVE THIS!! It is super versatile (can be used from infant up to 4 years of age) and considering it's a space saver style it moves in plenty of ways. I saw a video online for this when the girls were brand-new and knew I'd found my seat. It has a 5-point harness (can reduce to 3-point when older), it tilts back for infant feeding (5 positions- also nice for subtle tilt when baby isn't quite ready for sitting up straight but is good with solids), it swivels so you don't have to move your chair (7 positions), it has a soft yet washable cover that is reversible, it includes a feeding tray with a removable "serving" tray,etc. Can you tell I can't say enough good about this? Only con I have found is that my table has a lip (for decorative drawers) underneath so the chair doesn't slide under. But I plan to buy some cheap and shorter chairs to remedy this mild problem.
With twins I super-love this. I can put them in the chair for a bottle and feed them at the same time (with the swivel feature I don't even have to move my chairs) and then when the bottle is done and it's time for some baby food I just tilt it upright again and BAM...ready to go! Awesome! I can tell this is going to be an asset as they get bigger.
OTHER: Ice cube trays
(I got mine 2/$1 at Shopko on a summer special bin - awesome for freezer/storage), Freezer Bags (I bought gallon size at my local bulk store - but I would recommend quart size unless you are freezing bulk), Mix and Masher (effective for soft fruits- avacado, bananas,etc - but so is a fork), paring knives (I like that these are small and effective to trim fruit), vegetable peeler (I use this for vegetables and fruit - peeling fruit while cold helps). I'll add more or review more as I go.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Food Allergies
Here are some ideas on what to look for if your child may have a food allergy. If you suspect a food allergy contact your pediatrician for further advice. Always introduce new foods at least 2 days apart and preferably 3 days, allowing yourself time to notice a change in behavior or physical changes.
Symptoms of a food allergy can be mild or severe and include:
Severe:
-hives, swelling or trouble breathing (this typically happens within a few minutes and up to a couple hours after eating).
-severe vomiting or diarrhea; blood in stools
** if your child has swelling around the mouth or trouble breathing call 911 or emergency service in your area. A child's airway can close up in minutes and you may not have time to reach a doctor or hospital. Also contact a doctor immediately if your child develops severe vomiting or diarrhea.
Mild:
-gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, vomiting and general discomfort)
-eczema
-unusual fussiness or temperament change
-rash
-unusual diaper rash or diaper rash only occurring when fed a certain food
It is possible to be allergic to any food however 90 percent of food allergies are linked to : eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. Take caution to not introduce foods to your child before the recommended age. Always introduce foods in their singular form before introducing combined foods.
More in depth information can be found here and here.
Symptoms of a food allergy can be mild or severe and include:
Severe:
-hives, swelling or trouble breathing (this typically happens within a few minutes and up to a couple hours after eating).
-severe vomiting or diarrhea; blood in stools
** if your child has swelling around the mouth or trouble breathing call 911 or emergency service in your area. A child's airway can close up in minutes and you may not have time to reach a doctor or hospital. Also contact a doctor immediately if your child develops severe vomiting or diarrhea.
Mild:
-gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, vomiting and general discomfort)
-eczema
-unusual fussiness or temperament change
-rash
-unusual diaper rash or diaper rash only occurring when fed a certain food
It is possible to be allergic to any food however 90 percent of food allergies are linked to : eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. Take caution to not introduce foods to your child before the recommended age. Always introduce foods in their singular form before introducing combined foods.
More in depth information can be found here and here.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Different stages for same ages...
I admit I did try a little rice cereal with the girls around 4 months. I was curious how they would handle it. It didn't go so well. So I decided to wait until 5 months and try again. They did better. Not excellent but better. I started again with just simple rice cereal mixed with some of their formula. I fed them 3 or 4 ounces of formula first (they usually eat 6 oz) and then attempted to give them some cereal. When they fussed, I gave them a little more formula and then tried again after burping. They seemed to like it.
I have already learned that twins (from what I've read...even identical) definitely do not follow the same timeline for development. So it wasn't a surprise to me, however, it definitely demonstrates that some are quicker than others to learn. Seren took to cereal like it was nothing new or challenging. She spit back minimally (until she was done with eating). Kendall didn't seem to catch on so well. She would take it in and spit most of it back out. She smiled and enjoyed it but didn't seem to know what was expected. Maybe more interesting food choices will provide more motivation to eat it.
I have already learned that twins (from what I've read...even identical) definitely do not follow the same timeline for development. So it wasn't a surprise to me, however, it definitely demonstrates that some are quicker than others to learn. Seren took to cereal like it was nothing new or challenging. She spit back minimally (until she was done with eating). Kendall didn't seem to catch on so well. She would take it in and spit most of it back out. She smiled and enjoyed it but didn't seem to know what was expected. Maybe more interesting food choices will provide more motivation to eat it.
Seren...literally pretty clean considering
Kendall...food faced (I spoon cleaned them both equally)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
When to start solids
I admit it. I'm preparing and starting this blog prematurely. My kiddos are only a week over 3 months old. So I know I won't be introducing solids for at least a month or more. I also plan on consulting with our pediatrician before making the decision on when to start. I feel that 4 months is a safe starting age (I plan on starting with rice cereal as a simple and hopefully non-offending choice) but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation is now to wait until 6 months of age. AAP like the Starting Solids book also talks about the need for children to start solids by 6 months based on the fact that baby's iron reserves begin to deplete around 6 months of age and introducing solids allow for this to be replaced. Starting Solids also talks about the 4 to 6 month window being a time when baby is open to experiencing new tastes and textures. It does state that solids should definitely not be given before 17 weeks (or approximately 4 months) of age. Starting solids does not help baby eat less often and doesn't get them to sleep better and can in fact cause tummy issues leading to worse sleep. Baby's digestive system needs to mature and be ready for solids as much as baby does in order to not produce set backs. So basically take baby's lead on this one and with the advice of your pediatrician work out the appropriate time individually for your child.
So when is baby ready for solids. Experts say some classic indicators are:
* tongue thrusting reflex is gone or diminished
* baby is able to hold their head up and control movement
* showing interest in the food you eat
* putting or attempting to put objects in their mouth
* baby's birth weight has doubled (or increased greatly)
* baby makes chewing motions
So when is baby ready for solids. Experts say some classic indicators are:
* tongue thrusting reflex is gone or diminished
* baby is able to hold their head up and control movement
* showing interest in the food you eat
* putting or attempting to put objects in their mouth
* baby's birth weight has doubled (or increased greatly)
* baby makes chewing motions
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