Starting Solid Foods

I would like to take some time to talk about delaying the introduction of solid foods in a breastfed infant. As a Mom you receive advice from many different people on many different issues. One thing that is commonly heard is about starting solids. So many people think that babies should start solid foods at 4 months or 4-6 months. I want to offer you some information I have come across during my research:


My favorite resource on this is: kellymom.com

I also like: askdrsears.com

Another interesting link: breastfeedingbasics.com

So in summation, delaying the introduction of solid foods until after 6 months of age is so important. After 6 months you need to be looking out for those developmental milestones as indications that your baby is ready. Please remember that when you do start introducing your baby to solid food that it is not as a replacement to breastmilk! Offer your baby solid food at mealtimes and offer it in minimal amounts as not to replace nursing. A good thing to remember is that your baby's tummy is only the size of his or her tightly clenched fist. So only a few spoonfuls is really necessary! The goal is to introduce your baby to different tastes and textures! Breastmilk is their main nutrition for the first 12 months!


Something else that might be worth thinking about is making your own baby food. It is quick, and easy! I always liked that idea better than feeding my baby something that has been in a jar sitting on a shelf, in the store for who knows how long! I like to use organic foods. A nice tip for making your own baby food is to use an ice cube tray and freeze your home made baby food. This makes convenient little serving size portions!


The AAP's new recommendation for solid foods is that you start out giving your baby meats, then vegetables, and fruits last. No rice cereals! With all the emerging research and the startling increase in childhood obesity and diabetes in children... This is so important!


I hope you will take the time to research the links I've provided as well as do your own research on the subject of solid foods :-) Comments are welcomed!