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You have been always told how important it is breastfeed your baby.The benefits of breast milk are beyond providing the baby with basic nutrition.It helps in protecting your baby from chronic disease and aid in building immunity.It is of paramount importance to exclusively breastfeed all babies for first six months. Gradually, semi-solid food or formula is introduced to them to satisfy their growing hunger and the additional calories their growing body demands. Children cannot survive all their lives just on breast milk because it is not the richest source of iron. At the head start of weaning, introduce your little one to food rich in iron which are also easy on their stomach. 

When to start with solid food?

The guidelines issued by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that mothers must introduce solid foods to their toddlers from 4 to 6 months.Your baby will drop prominent hints to show his readiness for solid food.  Look for these cues –

• Your baby will be able to hold his head steady in an upright position.
• Your baby should be able to sit when supported so he doesn’t choke.
• Your baby has lost his tongue-thrust reflex. 
• Your baby has developed claw grab and hand-mouth co-ordination.
• Your baby shows significant gain in weight.
• Your baby shows curiosity for solids.
• Your baby is having teething pain.

Which foods to introduce?

Consciously introduce foods that are rich source of iron such as pureed beans, winter squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, beef, chicken pork, turkey, applesauce, banana, peaches, etc. It is recommended to give single-ingredient pureed food without a trace of salt or sugar for starters. Some moms start with infant cereals mixed in breast milk or formula. Get your child hooked to soft family food which are easy to digest sans of any allergic reaction.

How to introduce solid food?

Every baby is different and you are the best person to understand your baby.  However, our suggestion is –     

• Let your baby participate in family meal time with soft cups and spoons to play with.
• Have your baby sit in an upright position with support on highchair.
• Put a bib on the baby.
• Keep clean-up clothes ready in case of mess and splat mat on the floor.
• Let the baby drink from sipper on his own.
• Keep extra spoons ready preferably soft-tipped plastic spoon to prevent injury to your baby’s gums.
• Smear the puree at the tip of the spoon and allow the baby to taste the food.
• Don’t force food into your baby’s mouth.  Give him time to accept and understand the concept of solid food. Try feeding him again after few minutes.
• It is always best to introduce one food item at a time.  Offer new food after an interval of three to five days.  This will help you to identify if your baby is allergic to specific food.