Introducing your baby to solid foods is one of the most exciting milestones of your little one’s first year - but don’t rush into it! The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends mothers to exclusively breastfeed infants for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development, and health.
Exclusive breastfeeding - meaning the infant receives only breast milk - for the first six months has immense benefits for both mother and child. WHO recommends that infants start getting complementary feeding, a gradual process of moving from a milk-only diet to other foods and liquids, at 6 months of age in addition to breast milk.
Introducing foods other than breast milk before 6 months is linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. However, introducing solids too late (longer than 6 months) may put your baby’s health at risk - ranging from stunted growth (as per the The Maternal and Child Health Journal) to putting your child at higher chances for childhood leukemia (as noted by the American Association for Cancer Research). Introduction of complementary feeding should be timely while also ensuring that food is prepared and given in a safe manner.
What are the signs that tell your baby may be ready for solid foods?
Here are some signs to look out for that will help you decide if it’s time to take your little one’s taste buds to the next level.
Your baby is able to sit up with little or no support - should be able to maintain a steady, upright position.
Your baby reaches out for objects and puts them in his/her mouth.
Your baby is showing an interest in what others are eating and reaching out for food on your plate.
Your baby eagerly opens his/her mouth for a spoon and then clamps down on it
Your baby wakes up more frequently for night feeds than before.
Your baby is healthy and has doubled his/her birth weight.
Your baby is making chewing motions with the mouth.
However, as per the British Nutrition Foundation, there are certain normal behaviours growing babies do, and they don’t necessarily mean that your baby is ready for solids. These include waking up in the night when they have previously slept through, chewing fists, wanting extra milk feeds.
Even if you notice signs that your baby is ready for solid foods, experts say it’s best to wait until your child is around six months old before starting weaning.
We suggest you speak to your midwife, health visitor, paediatric dietitian or GP for advice about when to start complementary feeding, particularly if your baby was born prematurely, as premature babies can have different needs
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