From Milk to Solids

Transitioning from milk to solids is a fun, exciting, rough, experimental time! Here's a few tips to help the transition.

 

 

1. Doctors recommend you start at 6 months of age, but you can really start anywhere from 4-6 months.

 

2. Ask some questions if you are questioning if they are ready.

A. Can your baby hold his or her head in a steady, upright position?

B. Can your baby sit with support?

C. Is your baby mouthing his/her hands or toys?

D. Is your baby showing interest in what you are eating?

If yes, they are probably ready!

 

 

2. Start with rice cereal. Make a small amount and make it watery. It may seem gross but remember, this is the first time your child has had anything with any consistency but watery.

 

 

3. Take it slow. Try it once a day at first. Do this for a few days and increase it if they like it and are used to it. Continue your breast milk/formula as well.

 

 

4. Resist giving it to them in a bottle. Really try feeding them with a spoon to help them learn the practice of taking bites and swallowing.

 

5. Feed them very small spoonfuls. They need to get used to new textures and swallowing these new textures. As your baby gets used to it, you can make it thicker and offer more.


6. Start to introduce pureed foods (meats, veggies, fruits, etc.) as they master the cereal. I always bought this in Gerber. I did want to make Brody's food, but just did not have the time to do this as a working mom. Just always check the ingredients and make sure what it says it is is the first ingredient, no sugar, and no salt. The fewer the ingredients the better. Gerber is a great option if you can't or don't want to make your babies food.

 

7. About 8-10 months, you can offer very small pieces of "real" chopped up food. Make sure the food is small and easy to chew and swallow. Again, this is a new texture so it may take them some time to get used to it.

 

 

8. Aviod power struggles. If it just isn't working during a meal time, try again later. They will get it!

 

 

 

Hope your transition is easy! Happy eating!

 

 

 

Until next time,