Is My Baby Ready to Start Solid food?
September 20, 2009 12:46 pm Baby behaviour, NutritionIt is recommended that solid food not be given to a baby under 17 weeks old as studies have shown that a baby is not developmentally ready to tolerate solids at this age; Greer FR, et al. Effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic disease in infants and children. Pediatrics 2008; 121:183-91
If your baby is younger than 17 weeks and they are hungry and not gaining weight, provide them with extra breast feeds or introduce an additional bottle of infant formula.
A baby who was born prematurely is ready to commence solids midway between 16 weeks post birth and 16 weeks post due date. Depending on how prematurely they were born these babies may show facial defensiveness where they reject objects near their face making a spoon coming towards them a fearful experience?
Sometime after your baby reaches 17 weeks of age they will begin to show signs that indicate they are ready to start the adventure of solids.
The signs of solid food readiness may include:
•The ‘tongue thrust’ present in younger babies is gone. This reflex has allowed for sucking, but is now ready for the next stage of chewing and swallowing
•Your baby is able to sit in a semi-controlled, upright position. Not being able to sit will prevent them focusing on eating
•Your baby’s weight gain has slowed down
•Your baby is waking at erratic times overnight when previously they had been sleeping through
•Your baby is constantly dissatisfied when being breastfed (pulling off and on the nipple etc)
•They are wanting to breastfeed more regularly during the day instead of spacing feeds out to every 4 hours
•They are watching you eat with greater interest and could even be trying to take the spoon or food from your hand
When a couple of these signs are evident then it will be time to get a few things organised. You will need equipment to cook & puree food, eating utensils and suitable food.
1. Saucepan with lid and steamer insert or multi-tared steamer or glass jug or dish safe to use in a microwave
2. Sieve to push cooked food through using the back of a wooden spoon or a food processor, blender or ‘Mouli’
3. Small container to feed your baby from
4. Soft long handle plastic coated spoon
5. High chair or similar
6. Bib and face washer
Their sweet taste buds develop first therefore; try cooked and pureed sweet potato or pears as a first food which will increase your chances of the first mouthful being enjoyed. You can gradually bring in the bitter flavours once they are enjoying the concept of eating.
Ensure the very first mouthful of food is semi liquid by adding breast or infant formula, is delivered with a soft spoon, not too hot, not too cold, they are sitting in an comfortable upright position facing you at your eye level and they are not tired. Speak quietly and smile.
