When to start solids?
Child Nutrition, parenting

When To Introduce Solids? And Signs That Baby Is Ready!

Introducing Solids

Parents get so excited when it’s time to introduce solids to their little bub! Now a days some Pediatricians recommend starting solids as soon as 4 to 5 months and some ask to wait until 6 months. And as a parent we get so confused, what to do!!!

Well, before the age of 6 months mother’s milk or baby formula is all they need to full fill their nutritional requirements. (you may consider giving Vit D supplements after consulting your doctor). Waiting until six months is actually a good idea cause it gives your baby time to develop fully to digest solid foods.

Other than Age there are some other factors parents should look for, to decide weather your baby is ready for solids or not!

Signs That Baby Is Ready For Solids

• Baby stay in sitting position with or without support.

• Can hold their neck steady on their own

• Good eye, hand and mouth coordination

• Swallowing food without pushing it out, overcoming tongue thrust

According to American Academy of Pediatrics when babies double their birth weight and their weight is 5.9kg (13 pounds)or above they are usually ready for their solids. And this usually happens around 4 months. But every baby is different!! Seeking your Pediatricians advice is the best thing to do.

Talk to your doctor and ask questions it helps a lot!

Disclaimer

This website provides medical information for use as information or for educational purposes. We do not warrant that information we provide will meet your medical requirements. It is up to you to contact a health professional if you are concerned about your or your child’s health.

Source

  • UNICEF
  • NHS (Start4life)
  • Adapted from Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics
Child Nutrition

Responsive feeding and it’s benefits

Every parent want their baby to be happy and healthy, and the first thing comes to our mind is, Are we providing our baby enough nutrition!!!!

Every Mother complains and I quote “kya karu thik se khana hi nai khati!!” So often parents end up with force feeding and add up distractions like watching tv, which is not a healthy option!

Responsive feeding will help your baby for better growth and development.

What is Responsive Feeding?

It means communicating with your baby, Responding to their actions. Understanding when they are hungry and when they are full.

Basically you feed baby when he is giving you hunger cues and stop feeding when baby is giving you cues that he/she is full. Babies have their own way to communicate, try to understand them! Please don’t say, “just one last bite!” and end up feeding them more & more.

If you think your child is not eating enough and rejecting food, stop the feeding session right there and offer again after some time! This time try different food with different texture.

Remember it’s not just about what are you feeding your kid, it’s also about how and when are you feeding them! Make sure of the surroundings, be gentle and talk to them lovingly while offering them food.

Benefits Of Responsive Feeding

1. Helps to Build good relationship with your baby

2. Lower chances of getting over weight now and in future

3. Healthy habits

4. Makes meal time easy

5. Helps you to interact with baby even better

Responsive feeding helps you understand their needs. Let them tell you what they like, what they don’t!!! How much they would like to eat, and when to stop.

Lets Make Meal Time Fun And Allow Our Babies To Explore New Tastes. Keep in Mind,

“ Even Your Baby’s Choice Matters!”

Introducing solid foods ( UNICEF United Kingdom)

IYCF (UNICEF New York)

Is Your Baby Hungry or Full? Responsive Feeding Explained (American Academy of Pediatrics)