WHEN, WHAT, AND HOW TO INTRODUCE SOLID FOODS/ BABY’S FIRST FOODS

First of all hearty congratulations to all new mothers for their baby have completed the initial six months.  These six months are crucial and not less than a roller coaster ride for a mother and a baby. As we are continuing in this beautiful journey of motherhood another challenge is “When, What and How to start with or introduce solid foods for the little one ?”

Now let’s discuss them sequentially one by one as under:

WHEN TO START SOLID FOODS FOR THE BABY ?

Now that the baby has moved in the age cycle of six months and onwards, it is generally considered the right time for mothers to introduce the baby to this wonderful and delighted world of “baby foods” or “solid foods”. Further, there are other factors also to be taken care of before starting to feed solid foods to the baby. These must have factors are mentioned below:

• One of the major factors is to consult your respective paediatrician in routine when to start with solid foods for the baby.
• Head control is necessary for the baby before starting with solid foods. This Posture is necessary otherwise food pipe can choke or can make the baby vomit.

Head control means when the baby is holding the head or sit in an upright position with his/her neck settled or with the support of the pillow for a few seconds. Always check with your respective paediatrician well in advance before starting to feed solid foods.

Head control position is normally noticed when the baby is in between 4 to 6 months of age cycle. Hence the right time, to begin with solid foods.

• Tongue thrust reflex has disappeared in the baby. It is generally observed during 4 to 6 months period that the baby is pulling his/ her tongue inside the mouth when feeding a little bit solid with a spoon/ finger. This should be checked again and again to make yourself sure before to start with solid foods.

If the baby is taking tongue out several times in a day it is a clear sign that there is trouble in swallowing the food. The food will not stay on the tongue and can result in choking of the throat. Avoid giving solid foods for the meantime and recheck the above points.

• The baby is showing interest in the solid foods taken to his/ her mouth with a spoon/finger by opening the mouth wide again and again.
• The baby has started to take turns or is rolling left and right on the bed. This helps in digestion and reduces colic problem.
• The baby is cycling legs on their own.

HOW MUCH FOOD TO FEED THE BABY ?

In the first six months the baby is purely fed on breast milk. After considering the above points the baby is ready to start with solid foods. This journey of “baby foods” is quite tricky and challenging. After preparing ourselves with different tasty recipes next important thought that come to our mind is “what portion of food is appropriate to consider the fullness of the baby stomach?”.

Although it is a logical question, there is as such no hard and fast rule to specify the portion/ quantity of the solid foods to serve to the baby. Eating less is always better than overeating.

Most of the time seen that the baby resists to various solid foods which also hampers the food chart. The below mentioned easy tips should be taken into consideration:

• Serving a minimum 2 solid food meals from a 6 to 8 months period is preferable for development of healthy mind and body of the baby.
• Serving a minimum 3 solid food meals from a 9 to 12 months period is preferable for better growth of the body.
• The appropriate portion of food to serve to the baby is specified under the category “Baby food recipes.”
• There are intervals when the baby is not very willing to eat. As a mother feeding not full meal but a small portion of the meal with nutrients in the whole quantity is justified.
• Further, the portion of a solid meal for the baby varies depending on:
• Diet of the baby: With the diet of the baby also maintain the food chart.  
• Interest in a food recipe: Introducing the food recipes as a snack first and then serving as a meal is a better approach. This develops the taste for the solid foods of the baby and feeding a full meal.
• Interest in a food item: Understanding the taste of the baby whether more tilted towards sweet or sour and feeding more with the food of his/ her choice helps in feeding full meal.
• Feeding in short intervals: Frequently feeding the baby results in fullness and less eating meals. We should avoid this practice.

The above points are interlinked and help in feeding the appropriate portion of a solid meal to the baby. Diet will increase with the increase in interest in food recipes and different solid foods. Focusing on the same results in healthy growth and nourishment of the baby.

WHAT FOOD TO FEED THE BABY ?

As in the supra discussion we have learnt about when and how to feed the baby, now the question arises as to what solid foods to give to the baby.

Some healthy food options (Baby food recipes) for 6 months+ babies include:

1. Moong Dal Khichdi for Baby Food Recipe
2. Moong Dal Ka Pani Recipe for Babies / Lentil Soup for Babies
3. Apple Puree Baby food recipes
4. Sooji (semolina) porridge Recipe for babies / Sooji Kheer for Babies
5. Sooji (semolina) Upma Recipe for Babies

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