The following are answers to the most common questions asked when starting a baby on solids:
1. When can I start my baby on solids?
A. You can introduce solids around 6 months of age.
2. How should I introduce new foods?
A. Introduce only 1 new food every 3 days. This will allow you to identify which food your baby is reacting to in case they do have an allergic reaction.
3. How much should I give my baby?
A. At this time, your are introducing your baby to texture and flavor. Milk is not being replaced by solids. Therefore, your baby can eat as much solids as they want asl long as they don't decrease their milk intake. Some babies may take one bite, others may take a small jar of food.
4. How often should my baby eat solids?
A. Initially, once per day is enough. Feedings can be increased to 2 times per day around 8-9 months, then 3 times per day around 11 months.
5. Which is better, pureed food or baby led weaning?
A. This is a matter of preference based on your lifestyle. There is no medical advantage either way.
6. What foods shoud I start with?
A. What you feed your baby is also a matter of preference. Different people from different parts of the world have their favorite first foods. Just keep in mind that your baby's sweet and salty taste buds develop first. So if you start off with something sweet, it may be difficult to get them to eat the non-sweet foods. For this reason, it is sometimes recommended to start off with vegetables before moving on to the sweeter fruits.
7. When can I give my baby water?
A. You can start giving water when you start solids. If the baby is 6 months old, try putting water into a sippy cup and let them play/experiment with it when they sit down for their meals.