Starting solid food is an important milestone in your baby’s development, opening up a world of new tastes and textures. This transition marks the beginning of their eating habits, so it’s essential for parents and family members to have the right knowledge. According to Dr. Adnan Al Biruni, resident physician at Bangladesh Children’s Hospital, introducing solid food requires careful consideration.
When to Start Solid Foods
Parents can typically tell when their baby is ready for solid foods by watching for certain developmental signs. Most babies are ready to start solid or semi-solid foods between four to six months of age. Until then, they rely solely on breast milk or formula, as their digestive systems aren’t yet equipped to process heavier foods like fruits and vegetables.
How to Introduce Solid Foods Gradually
Start with easily digestible vegetables and fruits. Introducing semi-solid foods alongside breast milk or formula milk can begin at four to six months. Suitable choices include pureed fruits, vegetables, or rice-based foods. Akhtarun Nahar Alo, a nutritionist and former head of BIRDEM Hospital’s nutrition department, recommends beginning with pureed vegetables for a few days before adding fruits and grains. Offering the same food for two to three consecutive days helps the baby’s stomach adjust. Avoid giving heavy foods like khichdi or proteins initially, as these can be tough on the baby’s digestive system.
Simple Puree Recipes:
Apple Puree: Wash, peel, and cube half an apple. Boil it in 1-1.5 cups of water until soft, then blend to a fine puree. You can make a similar puree with boiled carrots or mashed ripe bananas.
Combination Purees Suitable for Six-Month-Olds
Once your baby is accustomed to individual purees, try combining ingredients. For example, apples and carrots make a nutritious mix. Other combinations include potatoes and carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli, or pears with sweet pumpkin. Note: Avoid adding sugar or salt to purees at this stage.
How Much Food to Serve
Many new mothers wonder about the right portion size. Nutritionists suggest starting with two to three teaspoons per meal. Although this may seem small, it’s appropriate for a baby’s tiny stomach. At four months, begin with half a teaspoon of solid food per meal, in addition to breast milk. By six months, babies can typically handle two main meals and two snacks daily alongside breast milk.
Following these guidelines can help ensure that your baby’s transition to solid foods is smooth, healthy, and enjoyable.