When is your baby ready to start eating?

When is your baby ready to start eating?

This a common question asked by all new parents!

Introducing solids to your infant is an exciting milestone. Many parents can’t wait to start this. So the big question? When is your little one ready for solids?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says you should start your child on solids between 4 to 6 months but in reality it depends on your little one. There are signs you can watch for to know when your baby may be ready for his or her first food: 

• Your baby can sit upright and hold up his/her head.
• Your baby watches and seems curious with what you are eating.
• Your little one still seems hungry after getting his or her normal full day’s portion of milk.
• Your little one opens their mouth when you offer them food on a spoon.

Always keep in mind that although this is an exciting part your baby’s milestone, there is no need to rush. It is not recommended to start solid before 4 months. The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, and supplemental breastfeeding until your infant turns one. However, always remember that formula is also fine for moms who can’t or opt not to breastfeed.

For infants, starting solids is more about getting them used to chewing and swallowing food, than providing any significant nutritional benefit.
So when you notice the signs, start with feeding your little one two meals a day, each two to four tablespoons. Then when your little one understands the concept of eating and seems excited by and interested in mealtime, usually happens between 6 and 9 months, start your baby on a routine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is to make sure he or she gets used to the idea of eating on a schedule. Also it will help you with your routine. By the time your baby is 12 months old, he/ she should be eating the same foods that the rest of the family is eating. But you might still need to chop some foods into smaller pieces and cook vegetables until they’re soft.

Remember something very important, never pressure your baby to eat. Do not make mealtimes stressful. If he or she isn’t interested, just move on.

You know your baby is hungry and keen to eat when they:

• Gets excited when they see their food getting ready.
• Leans towards you when they’re sitting in the highchair.
• Opens their mouth as you’re about to feed them.

Another more important thing to remember, your baby still needs her normal day’s worth of breast milk or formula as his or her primary source of nutrition for the first year.  

Initially, most of baby’s food will end up on baby’s chin or outfit. Waaaaaiitttt… we are not about to let you go before helping you make sure your baby’s outfit stay pristine, with our collection of bibs.

Our bibs are double or triple layered, absorbent and has a waterproof layer to keep baby’s chin, neck and clothes dry. We have both snap or velcro closures, normal or bandana styles. Our rule of thumb is start with velcro closures for easy donning on and off. However, once your infant starts grabbing and pulling, move towards snaps so the bib stays on. The worst thing that can happen is a rash around baby’s neck folds because of spilled food. So check out our bibs. Trust us you will never regret getting your baby a great bib for his or her first mealtimes.

Ooohh...The first time your baby tries solid foods is a big deal! Get the camera and camcorder to record her expressions and reactions.