7 Effective Hacks To Start Your Baby On Solids

So, your baby is 6-months-old and you want to make a transition from giving solely breast milk to introducing fortified infant cereals and baby food. This transition usually starts when the baby is around six months, or entering their seventh month. Know what is the ideal age to start solid foods and how you can do it. 

It is important to note that though you may have started solid foods, you may still continue to breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding is not just a feeding process, but an emotional connection between the mother and the baby. It is packed with essential nutrients that will continue to benefit your baby even after starting solid foods. 

Introducing Solid Foods To Supplement Breastfeeding

Though there are no specific rules for introducing solid foods, here are a few tips that worked wonders for my baby. 

1. Do It Gradually

In order to start solid foods, you may have to reduce the number of times you breastfeed your baby. Give the baby an ample number of days to get used to one less feed. 

2. Golden Feed

Babies tend to be attached more to the first feed and the last feed of the day. So, drop these feeds at the last stage of the process. The last feed of the day is the most tricky. This may need a little extra effort.

3. Nutritious Filling

Start introducing new foods (scroll down for suggestions - a 3-step guide) to supplement your feed. A tasty, nutritious, and appealing palette will make it easier.

4. Introducing Solid Foods

Here are a few pointers to introduce solids to newborns.

• Offer very little in quantity; remember the baby is tasting something absolutely new for the first time. Give your child time to get used to the new burst of taste. 

• Do not force the next serving. Wait for them to open their mouths.

• Do not add any salt or sugar. Let the food be in its purest pureed form.

• Introduce only one new food at a time, so that you can check for allergies and any digestion issues.

5. Reserve a Seat

Reserve a place for your baby at the dinner table. Babies naturally tend to follow their parents, so this will help in introducing ‘food’ and ‘eating’.

6. Encourage Exploration

Allow the child to explore the new foods. I know it gets a little messy but it helps to develop an interest in the newly introduced food. Your baby may need some guidance at this point.

7. Pamper and Indulge

If you feel that your baby’s stomach is full and yet he/she is craving for the feed, it’s a sign that your child is missing intimacy. Try to comfort them with various activities like singing, playing, and snuggling. Just pamper your child with your attention. This will assure your child that there is no emotional disconnect. It also helps in reducing anxiety.

8. Be Patient

Even after trying everything, if the child hasn't taken to the transition favourably, then perhaps your child is not just ready as yet.  Stay patient and try another month. It will happen at the right time.

New Foods Suggestion - 3-Step Guide

Step 1: Start with soft fruits in puree form. Bananas are a good starting point. Just mash and serve. Apple or pear (boil/steam and mash) can follow. Fruits like chikoo, mango, and papaya can be simply mashed.

Step 2: After the baby successfully crosses step 1, you can introduce veggies.  Root vegetables & carrots are great to start with. Vegetables should be fully cooked and mashed. You may introduce ghee at this stage.

Step 3: After step 2, the menu could include daal, soft & mushy boiled rice, finger foods, cow’s milk, fully cooked and boiled eggs, poultry items and even fortified infant cereals.

Your baby is now getting a new world of tastes and textures. You will notice the frequency of breastfeeding shall reduce. 

What Solid Foods To Introduce To Infants? 

Ideally, a baby should be exclusively breastfed till 6 months of age. But if need be, and after paediatric consultation, some children can be started on other food sources by 4 months.  This can vary from one baby to another, depending on their growth, development, behavioural changes such as curiosity, and interest in food. For more check Starting Baby On Solid Foods: 4 to 7 Months

After 7 months, your baby is learning to chew and tooth eruption may have also started. You can start experimenting a little more with their food. Add a spoonful of butter/ghee/oil to your little one’s meal.  Read Starting Baby On Solid Foods: 7 to 12 Months

Here begins the new stage of struggle, when your baby grows to become a picky eater. Phew! That’s another level of struggle altogether. Read 8 Ways to Solve Feeding Problems in Picky Eaters

For now, be happy that you have come this far. Next level. I would love to know what are some other hacks that worked for you. Please do share in the comments. Happy parenting!

Disclaimer: Exclusive Breastfeeding is best for babies for the first 6 months. Breast milk provides the ideal balanced nutrition and protection. However, there may be individual instances where introducing first foods may be required depending on the child's needs and issues related to the mother's milk supply. Please consult a paediatrician to make a more informed choice.