Starting Solids

Starting solids for your bundle of joy can be somewhat of a daunting task for a new parent and also an extremely interesting activity; especially the funny faces made by them when tasting various food of different textures, taste and fragrances.

When, what and how to introduce solids to your little one the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend children be introduced to foods other than breast milk or infant formula when they are about six months old.  Introducing foods before four months is not recommended. Every child is different. How do you know if your child is ready for foods other than breast milk or infant formula? You can look for these signs that your child is developmentally ready.
Your child:

• Sits up alone or with support.
• Is able to control head and neck.
• Opens the mouth when food is offered.
• Swallows food rather than pushes it back out into the chin.
• Brings objects to the mouth.
• Tries to grasp small objects, such as toys or food.
• Transfers food from the front to the back of the tongue to swallow.

Solids can be introduced to your babies at various instances according to the instruction of your babies’ Pediatrician. Some babies can start solids at four months and some after completing six months. Babies who can start solids at four months are mostly babies whose mothers have to report back to work and therefore as a supplement to the feeds that will be missed by them and babies underweight at four months are also advised to be put on solids early. In Sri Lanka as a practice we introduce babies firstly to red rice porridge, then fruits, vegetables and others follow.

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