After getting into the routine of bottles and breastfeeding, branching out into the world of introducing solids can be absolutely overwhelming. Though some parents choose to start earlier (with the blessing of their pediatrician, of course) around six months, baby’s solid food routine will likely begin. This means you’re thinking about a baby solid food feeding schedule, how to make solid foods for baby, and even researching baby meal plans. And what’s the best first solid food for your baby, anyway?
There are a lot of answers to those questions and more. Wanting to demistify the process of introducing solids? Read on!
Solid foods 6-9 Months: How to feed baby
Solid foods 6-9 Months: Feeding issues and concerns
When baby eats solid food, there are a few don’ts to keep in mind, including foods that aren’t safe. As for what foods not to feed baby, you’ll want to avoid honey under 12 months old, since the bacteria in it can cause infant botulism. You’ll also want to avoid cow’s milk until they’re a year old, as well as added sugar and salt to their foods. Do not feed them — or allow them to get their hands on — anything that is an unsafe shape and could cause them to choke, like grapes or hot dogs.
Other feeding issues that could come up include food allergies, so keep an eye on baby for any reactions when they’re eating allergens like peanut butter and eggs for the first time. And if your baby won’t eat? In the beginning, don’t force it. Just take a break and try again. If you’ve gone full speed ahead on BLW, try purées. If you’re doing purées and baby’s not into it, try BLW. If you reach seven or eight months and baby refuses to take in solids, it’s not a bad idea to contact your pediatrician.
But despite the hiccups that can come up along the way, introducing solids can be a lot of fun, especially for parents who love food.
“If you’re something of a foodie, you probably want your baby to love food too, and one of your best bets is exposing your baby to a wide variety of foods as early as possible,” mom Janssen Bradshaw wrote for Mom.com. “My babies have loved eating curry, soups and stew, tons of fruits and vegetables, bits of meat, and all the yogurt I’ll provide.”
Enjoy this new adventure in motherhood!
