TIPS FOR INTRODUCING SOLIDS TO YOUR BABY

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There's so much for every mother to know when it comes to introducing
solids to your little one that's the reason I'm still on this topic. There're some vital tips a mother needs to consider before and while introducing solids to her baby. Based on the carefully researched advice of experts, here are some tips;

 SIGNS TO KNOW YOUR BABY IS READY FOR SOLIDS

 1. He has good neck and head control and can sit upright with support.

 2. He shows an interest in the food on your plate and reaches out for it.

 3. He opens his mouth when you offer him food.
HOW TO INTRODUCE SOLIDS

 1.TIMING: 4-6 months is a good time to start introducing solids to your baby especially when he has shown the above signs

 1b. Feed only when a baby is hungry.

 2.TEXTURE: This ranges from pureed to mashed. As your baby gets used to a particular texture, then you can introduce a variety of texture like a food with more lumps I.e not entirely pureed. For babies who do not readily accept solids, it's best to stick with pureed and mashed foods to prevent choking.

 3.TYPE: There's no hard and fast rule as to the type of food to introduce but a food high in iron is recommended to help build their growing bones e.g rice cereals, beans.minced meat and chicken. Other suggested first food include vegetables like potato, carrots, apple, banana and avocado which are very high in nutrients necessary for the growth of a baby.

 4. QUANTITY: According to baby center, at 4-6 months, you can start with 1 teaspoon of pureed food or cereal twice a day in addition to breast milk. Then gradually increase to a tablespoon. As he grows older and you're better  acquainted  with his feeding pattern, then you can vary quantity to suit his needs

5. FOODS TO AVOID. These represents foods that can pose choking hazards and affect the baby's immature digestive system. This includes;

 i.   Honey
ii.  Cow milk
iii. Nuts (these can causing choking)
iv. Egg whites
v.  Fish high in mecury like tile fish, king mackerel, swordfish.e.t.c
vi. Artificial sugar found in sugar snacks and drinks instead introduce natural sugars like that found in banana to prevent tooth decay.

 EXTRA TIPS

 1. To encourage a baby that refuses to eat, try to make mealtimes fun times by singing to his favourite songs if he has any.

 2. Introduce new foods one at a time to determine food allergies before you introduce another. 4-5 days interval is ok to determine if there's any

 3. Avoid overfeeding your baby by watching out for cues that he's full.A common sign is when he turns away or refuses to open his mouth.

 4. Ensure your baby is sitting comfortably.
5. Expect mealtimes to be messy.

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