As babies get older, they start to need solid food so they can get enough iron and other essential nutrients for growth and development. Introducing solids is also important for helping babies learn to eat, giving them the experience of new tastes and textures from a range of foods. It develops their teeth and jaws, and it builds other skills that they’ll need later for language development.
So when what and how to introduce solid foods for your babies?
1. When is the right time to introduce solid foods to babies?
When infants are around 6 months old, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest that they be exposed to foods other than breast milk or baby formula. You can look for these signs that your child is developmentally ready:
- Your child can sit with little or no support.
- Your child has good head control.
- Your child opens his or her mouth and leans forward when food is offered.
2. What food to introduce to babies?
When your baby is 7 or 8 months, they can eat a variety of foods from different food groups. These foods include infant cereals, meat or other proteins, fruits, vegetables, grains, yogurts and cheeses, and more.
3. How to introduce to your babies?
Let your child try one food at a time at first. When your baby is ready for solids, the first foods might be smooth, mashed, or in soft pieces, depending on what the baby likes. Your baby can quickly go on to minced foods and then chopped foods.
Written by: Ng Kai Wen
BSc.(Hons). Food Science with Nutrition
UCSI University
Reviewed By: Jasmine Lim
Love Earth Organic Nutritionist
Bachelor of Science Degree in
Dietetics (major) & Food Science (minor)
Iowa State University, USA
