When do I start introducing food to my baby?
Extract from Feeding Little Tummies
The ideal time to start your baby on solids depends on you and your baby. There is no correct or exact time for this, although most babies are ready for solids at around six months. However, it is not recommended to start later than 6 months and definitely not before 4 months as the digestive system is not yet equipped for food digestion. Some babies may be ready to start earlier than 6 months particularly in the case of larger babies weighing in near the top of the percentile chart for weight. In this instance, there is some concern that waiting until 6 months, parents may actually ‘miss the window’ for when their baby is ready to start food and it will be several more months before she will be interested in food again. If you feel your baby is ready earlier than 6 months it is advisable to discuss this with your health care provider. Note, that parents of premature babies also need to consult their health care provider about the best time to start solids.
Signs to look for that indicate a baby may be ready to start food are:
• Holding her head up while sitting.
• Moving her tongue back and forth, ready to move food from her lips to her throat.
• Opening her mouth when offered food.
• Taking an interest in what others are eating.
• Good saliva production.
• First teeth beginning to break through.
• Waking through the night hungry when normally she would sleep through.
• Still seems hungry after a milk feed.
If your baby is showing signs of being ready for food before six months, increase milk feeds first. It is important that she doesn’t miss out on the essential nutrients provided by breast milk or formula by starting on solids too soon. If she still appears ready and you have discussed this with your health care provider, introduce one simple food such as pureed pumpkin, pear or rice. The digestive system is very sensitive at this age and these are non-allergenic foods. If starting earlier than 6 months it is advisable to keep food simple offering single item purees and following the recommendations for stage one food until at least 6 months.