10 things to note when starting solids

Weaning is one of the most important milestones in a baby's feeding process. Check out these 10 essentials for best preparation when your baby starts weaning.

1. Time to eat solids

Experts recommend starting solids when your baby is 4-6 months old. Age is not the only factor needed for your baby to start weaning, your baby also needs to be able to sit up (with adult support), turn away and be able to chew.

2. You should still give your baby breastmilk / formula

Children often cannot eat a lot of solid food right away. So think of solid food at this stage as an add-on, not a complete replacement for breastmilk or formula. Remember, you are training your baby to wean, not completely changing his diet.

3. Start offering cereal solids

You don't have to be too rigid in choosing solid foods for your baby. You can start with iron-fortified infant cereals, such as rice, so that your baby can easily eat without an allergy like other cereals. You can mix them with formula or breast milk until your baby gets used to this new food.

4. Give your baby time to get used to the weaning foods

For us it is very natural to eat solid foods, but this is a very new thing for children because until now, they can only drink fluids. Your baby will need time to get used to the spoon and the feeling of having solid food in the mouth. So don't expect your baby to eat a lot or all but know that he or she can only eat one or two teaspoons at a time when starting. Instead of trying to get your baby to eat a specific amount, let him get used to this new experience first.

5. Let your baby start eating fruits and vegetables at the same time

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and even pureed meats can all be on your baby's menu. You can feed them all of them at the same time to see how your baby reacts. If your baby doesn't eat at first, try again next time. Let your pediatrician know if you think your child may have a food allergy. You should offer baby soft foods or soften foods by heating or mashing. You can also place enough food on the spoon to make it easier for your baby to swallow.

6. Avoid milk and honey

Most pediatricians believe that you should wait until your baby is one year old to start offering cow's milk. This is because some children may have difficulty digesting right away. Also be careful not to put honey in milk for babies younger than one year old because this can increase the risk of poisoning because the baby's immune system is still developing.

7. Stop eating as soon as your baby wants to stop

Your baby will let you know when to stop eating. It is time to stick food in a spoon, turn away, hold your lips tightly or spit whatever you put in your baby's mouth or squeal. Do not force your baby to eat more than what he wants. Children will eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full. Once you understand this, you will avoid forcing your baby to overeat and this is very beneficial as the baby grows up.

8. Do not force your baby to eat

Just because a baby does not like a new food does not mean he has a "picky soup" habit forever. Wait a few days and try again. And one more time. And again… This can give your baby more time to adjust to the food. Remember, you are a role model for your baby, so your baby will be more interested in food if he sees you eating with interest. However, do not force your child to eat and do not use other toys to "bribe" them into eating new foods.

9. Get used to the battlefield to clean up when the baby practice weaning

As your baby gets older, he or she will try to learn to eat by herself. You should prepare well for your baby's food by providing cover when eating or placing a plastic tray on a high chair to sit. Learn and learn how to feed your baby solid foods and enhance your child's touch. You can place a rug under your baby's chair to catch the mess, dress him appropriately and most importantly, equip yourself with the virtue of patience because this stage will not last forever. .

10. Hand feed when your baby is ready

When your baby is nine months old, he or she will be able to choose small soft foods to eat. However, you still need to scoop the baby food for a while and continue to give your baby formula or breast milk. Some great finger foods include ripe bananas, carrots, cheese, cooked pasta, dry cereals and eggs. To avoid choking, you should not give your baby hard and hard to swallow foods like hard candies, chips, raw vegetables, grapes or raisins, hard cheese, and hot dogs.

If you still have questions when you start weaning your baby, consult your doctor and dietitian for timely advice and assistance.