Starting Solids ( what you need to know)

Hello mommies, 

Are you first time mom, don't you know if your baby is ready for solid or not? I can completely understand!! This is the what I gone through so no worry mommies here are few important things that you need to know before starting solid for your loved one-

Starting Solids-

Introducing solids into your baby's diet is a big milestone, and it can be an overwhelming step for a parent. 

What you need to know before starting solids-

Look for true sign of readiness,Breastmilk & Formula are still the Maine source of nutrition for your baby. Pls don't replace the milk feeds with water or solids.

The thumb rule of offering solid is nurse before solids then offer food after that.

When to Introduce solids -

Consult with your child's pediatrician before starting solid foods.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months and advises parents to introduce solids no earlier than 4 months of age.( now it's has been changing from 4 months to 6 months) However, in individual practice, guidance of the appropriate time to introduce food should also be led by the infants signs of readiness. It can be few weeks before of 6 months or few days after 6 months. Beyond six months, further delay increases the risk of iron deficiency in Infant and Introducing solids early can lead to decreases the duration of exclusive breastfeeding.

• Head control. Your baby needs to be able to keep his head in a steady, upright position.
• Sitting well when supported. Even if he's not quite ready for a highchair, your baby needs to be able to sit upright to swallow well.
• Losing the "extrusion reflex." To keep solid food in his mouth and then swallow it.
• Ability to let you know when they are full (like head turn away or not ready to open mouth)
• Ability to pick up food from plate and try to put in their mouth.

• Significant weight gain. Most babies are ready to eat solids when they've doubled their birth weight (or weigh about 15 pounds) and are at least 4 months old.
• Growing appetite. He seems hungry – even with eight to ten feedings of breast milk or formula a day.
• Curiosity about what you're eating. Your baby may begin eyeing your bowl of rice or reaching for a forkful of fettuccine as it travels from your plate to your mouth.

When your baby is interested in solid food, chances are she won't be shy about letting you know. She may communicate her interest in "grown-up" foods by reacting with excitement or agitation when she sees you eat, by reaching out for tantalizing morsels on your plate or something else.

Three days rules of solids-

Do you know what is three days rules of starting solid to your little one? As starting solid is very much excited phase of parents so don't try to introduce each new food daily to your baby.Just introduce one food for 3 days. Keep eye on your baby skin if you see any allergy or any constipation, loose motion, vomiting or it could be anything else.

Be aware of food allergies-

Although the AAP no longer recommends waiting to serve certain foods to stave off allergies (like dairy, eggs, seafood and nuts), if severe food allergies are in the family tree, talk to your doctor (he may recommend delaying solids or adopting a staggered-start approach for certain foods). 

Stay tuned for babies first food!!