Transitioning from breastmilk to solid foods is an exciting milestone in a child's development. I know when I was a first-time mom, I had plenty of questions regarding when to start, which foods to start with, and even what products were best for the whole feeding process. Today I plan to cover some of these areas with the hope that I can help other new parents.
When to transition
Babies can typically start being introduced to solid foods around 6 months of age. This is a general guideline recommended by organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). However, it's important to note that every baby is unique, and readiness for solid foods can vary. (I must note that I am leery about professionals who recommend any age before 6 months because I’m not convinced that babies’ digestive systems are developed enough by then.)
I got started immediately at 6 months with my first-born, but I must mention that I felt much more patient about the transition into solids with my second and third children. All three are still great eaters to this day, thankfully! Regardless of if starting at 6 months or later, parents should be looking for signs of readiness before offering solid food.
Signs of solid-food readiness
In order to determine if your child is ready to start experimenting with solids, here are some of the readiness signs/signals to look for:
The ability to sit up: Your baby should be able to sit up with minimal support and hold their head steady. This helps prevent choking and allows them to swallow food safely.
Interest in Food: Your baby may show interest in watching others eat, reach for food, or mimic chewing motions. This indicates a curiosity about solid foods. When food is offered to them, you will see that they open their mouths and/or lean forward.
Increased Appetite: If your baby seems hungry even after breastfeeding or formula feeding, it may be a sign that they're ready for additional nutrients from solid foods.
Loss of Tongue Thrust Reflex: Most babies have a natural reflex called the tongue thrust reflex, which causes them to push food out of their mouth with their tongue. When a baby is ready for solid foods, this reflex diminishes, allowing them to move food to the back of their mouth and swallow it.
Ability to Coordinate Swallowing: Your baby should be able to coordinate swallowing motions and move food from the front of their mouth to the back to swallow it. This helps prevent choking.
Optimal positioning
Once you’re seeing the signs of readiness above, it’s time to think about positioning. Optimal positioning for children during meals is important for their safety, comfort, and development of healthy eating habits. Here are some key considerations:
Sitting Up Straight: Ensure that the child is sitting upright in a stable and supportive chair, rather than reclining or slouching. This helps in proper digestion and reduces the risk of choking.
Feet Supported: The child's feet should be resting flat on a stable surface, such as a footrest or the floor. This helps in maintaining stability and prevents fidgeting.
Hips and Knees Bent: Ideally, the child's hips and knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle, with the thighs supported and parallel to the floor. This promotes proper posture and reduces strain on the back.
Table Height: The table or eating surface should be at a comfortable height for the child, allowing them to reach their food easily without straining or slouching.
Close to the Table: Position the child's chair close to the table so they can easily access their food and utensils. This also encourages proper table manners and social interaction during meals.
Use of Booster Seats or High Chairs: For younger children who may have trouble sitting at the table, consider using a booster seat or high chair with appropriate safety harnesses to provide support and stability.
Encourage Independence: As children grow older and develop fine motor skills, encourage them to feed themselves using child-friendly utensils and dishes. This promotes independence and self-confidence during mealtime.
Minimize Distractions: Create a calm and distraction-free environment during meals by avoiding electronic devices, toys, or other distractions that may take away from the focus on eating.
Supervision: Always supervise young children during meals to ensure their safety and intervene if necessary, especially if they are at risk of choking or other accidents.
Positive Mealtime Environment: Lastly, maintain a positive and relaxed atmosphere during meals, fostering enjoyable and stress-free eating experiences for children.
By paying attention to these positioning factors, you can help promote healthy eating habits, proper digestion, and overall well-being for children during mealtime.
What are some good choices for first foods?
Any time we put food in our bodies and/or in our children’s bodies, we are fueling the most important “machines” we will have access to in our lifetimes. Therefore, what we eat MATTERS. As a result, when providing foods to babies, I recommend finding the options that have high nutritional value and are easily digestible. My favorite choices for first foods are avocados, bananas, and sweet potatoes. There are certainly other nutritious options as well. (I plan to cover more about what types of food to give babies in the future so stay tuned.🙂)
Lastly, what about utensils and dishes?
Similar to choosing optimal first foods, I also keep in mind the importance of growing babies’ brains and bodies when considering cookware, serving dishes, and utensils. This is especially important if/when heat is involved. For this reason, I prefer silicone and bamboo. Here are some of my recommendations:
I also encourage you to check out "Sippy" cup - Is it the right move? Here’s an SLP’s take to learn more about cups and which ones are the most developmentally appropriate.
Other considerations
Just because solid foods are being introduced, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of breastfeeding. In fact, I encourage parents to maintain breastfeeding while introducing solid foods. Some children take to solid foods right away while others need more time to adapt. I typically subscribe to “food under one is just for fun” since breast milk is recommended as the main nutritional source for babies until age 1.
It’s best to remain patient and persistent. It may take time for your baby to adjust to eating solid foods, so try to enjoy the process! It's also normal for babies to reject certain foods due to taste, texture, or just the unknown.
Recognize that babies are messy! Especially when solids are brand new, expect that they will make messes while eating.
Continue offering a variety of foods. Avoid pressuring or forcing your baby to eat if he/she is not interested. Children (and even older kids and adults!) will often accept offers of food after repeated offers when there is no unnecessary pressure to eat them.
Follow your baby's lead. It is super important to pay attention to your baby's cues and appetite. Let your baby decide how much to eat and which foods they prefer.
Lastly, if you have any concerns about when to start introducing solid foods or your baby's readiness for solids, it's always best to consult with your pediatrician for personalized guidance and recommendations based on your baby's individual needs and development.
At Latch on to Language, I specialize in working with moms, moms-to-be, and babies for lactation concerns. I also specialize in working with children from toddler-age to teenage and most frequently service those with deficits in articulation/phonology and language. I offer in-home services to clients in Cecil County, MD, and nearby towns/cities in MD, PA, and DE. Additional travel fees apply to locations beyond this area. Virtual sessions are also effective and can be provided to address many lactation, speech, and language concerns.
If you're struggling or you’d simply like more information, please reach out to see if Latch on to Language may be a good fit! I look forward to working with you! 🌟
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