The baby is growing so fast: not long ago, your little one only needed breast milk, and now you are getting ready for another important step - introducing solid foods into your baby's diet.
That is an exciting time when your baby is becoming more independent in his or her food intake. But like all other stages of a baby's development, this transition requires some adaptation time.
Like most parents, you probably want to know when to start solid foods and how to get your baby used to them.
So what are the signs of moving on to the next stage of infant nutrition?
When and how to start introducing solids to your baby?
According to the WHO recommendations, the first complementary food is usually introduced at the age of 6 months.
Be sure to ask your paediatrician for advice when you think your baby is ready to introduce new foods into his or her diet.
There is no exact age at which a baby is ready to start solids, but it is recommended that both breastfed and formula-fed babies can start complementary foods at 4-6 months of age.
At 6 months, the child's need for energy and minerals increases. However, all babies are different; some may be ready for it even at 4 months.
Until then, the child's digestive tract is not mature enough to absorb food other than breast milk or formula.
4 Signs that it's time to introduce solids:
1. Baby shows interest in food
Some parents say their babies start reaching for adult foods at almost four months old. We willingly believe it!
The moment when the baby begins to get interested in what you eat, you certainly don't miss it.
Babies are now very active and curious. But even if you had a precedent and there is interest in new foods - this is just one of the signals of the child's readiness to try solid foods.
2. Development of sitting skills
Does your little one begin to sit with some help or without support?
It is a strong sign that he or she is ready to try foods of new textures other than breast milk or baby formula. And it makes sense!
Liquid food is easy to swallow while lying down, but pureed food babies must eat upright.
If your paediatrician recommends an early introduction to complementary foods, a wide range of organic baby food offered by Organics Best can be a great option for your family!
3. The extrusion or tongue-thrust reflex
It is known that a baby's diet during the first 6 months should consist only of breast milk or formula. That is why up to 5.5-6 months, babies keep the reflex of pushing out solid food.
If there are medical indications, even at 4-5 months, you can give your baby some puree from a spoon, but this does not mean that the extrusion reflex has disappeared.
4. Digestive system maturity
When introducing a new product does not bother the baby with colic, slightly changing the texture and color of stools, it means that the baby's digestive system is already producing the necessary enzymes for the digestion of new food in a baby's diet.
If you notice all or most of these signs while watching your baby and your little one is perfectly healthy, he or she is ready for a new kind of food. And as a loving parent, you are able to discover a bright new world of flavours for your child!
More advice:
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