How to start your baby on Solids? Is your baby ready for solid food?

Introducing solid food to your baby for the first time may sound scary.. Specially, if you are a first time mother because there is so much advice pouring from everywhere that you may end up being really confused.  Well, you may calm down, as here we guide you about everything you ever wanted to know about starting solids for your baby.

Is your baby ready for Solid food?

Babies are usually ready for solids around 4 to 6 months of age. You have to determine if your baby is ready for solid food or not. This can be easily done by observing a few things..

1) The baby has developed a lot of curiosity in food.

2) He tries to mimic your tongue movements while you are eating around them.

3) They can sit upright with some support.

4) He can control and hold his neck.

If you are sure that now your baby is ready, start the journey of introducing solids slowly.

Baby's first foods

   Some ideal first foods that babies can easily tolerate are

     Pureed fruits such as apples, avocados, bananas or pear.
     Pureed vegetables such as pumpkin.
      Single cereal meals such as rice, oats or barley.

Best time for a solid meal

Any time during the day when the child is happy, active , neither very cranky nor very hungry.
You may make it a fun activity by using attractive bowls and spoons and getting them a high chair.

How many meals a day needed

At first, just give them 1 meal of solid food ( only 1 or 2 tea-spoons)
Slowly you can work out 2 or 3 meals that may be 1 tbsp each time depending upon her appetite.
Remember never to force feed them as they may throw-up and end up being cranky.

Also remember though your child may be eating solids 2 or 3 times a day, they still depend on milk for major supply of nutrients. So, breast / bottle feed them at least 4 to 6 times a day.

Food Allergies

Some babies may develop an allergy for a particular food item , so, it is best adviced to introduce one thing at a time and wait for 2 to 3 days for any allergic symptoms such as a rash, diarrhea or swelling on face or lips. Do seek medical attention in case of any allergies.


Also take proper care of hygeine as your baby's immune system is still very weak and prone to infections. 

Do watch the video below for more guidance on Introduction of Solids.