Nutrition Pages
Starting Solids
Topend Kids > Health > Nutrition > Solids
When to Start
Starting you child on solid food is an important milestone in your child's development. It can be a messy time, but it is an important time to start your child on a lifetime of good eating habits. Your baby is ready to be introduced to solid foods at around six months of age. At this time they will give some signs to show they are ready for solid foods. These signs may include: Showing great interest in other people eating, Using hand-to-mouth actions, such as starting to put everything in their own mouth, and grizzling at a particular time of the day when they appear to be hungry.
Too Early?
Solid foods should not be introduced too early because their body's digestive processes take time to develop. Physically, the baby also has to develop the muscle control and ability to swallow. The baby will also need to be able to sit up with support and have good head control.
Too Late?
Although you need to wait for the baby has developed to a stage that they are ready to eat solid food, on the other hand introducing solid foods to a baby should not be delayed for too long. If you delay the start of eating solid food for too long the may not accept food as easily and it is possible that a young child will not have their nutritional needs met by breast milk or formula milk alone. The action of chewing also improves mouth and tongue coordination, which is important for speech development
What to Do
When the time is right to start on solids, choose the time of day when the baby is happy and relaxed.The first foods is usually rice cereal, as it is easily digested and has high levels of iron and calcium. Start by offering just one teaspoon and gradually increase the amount over a few days.
Good luck!
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