Introducing solids is crucial when your baby reaches 6 months old because they’re developmentally ready to start experimenting with food via purees or baby led weaning.
At 6 months of age, your baby now needs good sources of iron and zinc in their diet. These nutrients are needed from baby’s foods at this time because babies have enough from pregnancy and delayed cord clamping (optimally until the cord is empty of baby’s blood), until 6 months of age.
Although the recommendations are to start solids at 6 months, research has found that 40.4% of moms start solids with their babies before 4 months!
This may be caused by the thought that if a baby starts solids they will sleep through the night and this has been shown to cause babies to sleep longer stretches however I will never recommend introducing solids before 6 months for various reasons:
- Solids aren’t needed at that time
- Babies are born with undeveloped body systems including their digestive system and we need to give it time to develop
When Can a Baby Begin Solids?
A baby is ready to begin solids when they are:
- Able to sit up with minimal assistance
- Reaching for foods that you put in front of them
- Able to bring the foods to their mouths
What is Baby Led Weaning?
Baby led weaning (BLW) is a method of introducing solids to your 6 month old without purees. Instead, parents feed their baby soft finger foods that a baby can self-feed.
With this, it is important to cut food up properly. Thin, smaller foods is appropriate for baby led weaning.
Check out these BLW pancakes that the whole family will love: How to Make Healthy Sweet Potato Pancakes
Should Introducing Solids Replace Breastfeeding?
No, the majority of his or her diet will still be your breastmilk. Solids during the first year are only meant to complement breastmilk with iron, zinc, and gain familiarity with foods!
At 6 months of age, roughly 15% of your baby’s diet will be solids. As they get to 12 months, solids will increase to about 25%.
Fostering a shared mother-infant regulation of food intake. Acknowledges the child’s role in regulating food intake.
For more benefits of breastfeeding beyond 6 months of age and into toddlerhood check out: The Powerful Benefits of Breastfeeding Your Toddler!
Introducing Solids: What About Water Intake?
While breastfeeding frequently, water isn’t necessary since breastmilk is mostly made of water and is very hydrating for your baby. However, if you’d like to introduce water and allow your baby to start learning how to use a cup, you can introduce water at 4-6 months old (No more than 2oz of water per 24 hours).
Introducing Solids: Supplements for Baby
Continue 400 IUs of vitamin D daily (starting from birth) either in baby liquid vitamin D drops or from you breastfeeding and taking 6,400 IUs daily [1].
Check out: The Complete Guide to Vitamin D in Breastfeeding
15 Baby Solids Rich in Iron and Zinc:
- Shredded chicken
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Eggs
- Lamb
- Beef
- Cooked ham
- Sweet potatoes
- Peas
- Enriched white bread or whole wheat bread
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Tofu
- Beans like kidney, garbanzo, and white
- Legumes like chickpeas and lentils
- Greek yogurt
Should You Nurse First or Feed Solids First?
It’s crucial to maintain breastmilk as your baby’s main source of nutrition throughout the first year of life. The nutrients in breastmilk are essential for their growth, development, and overall good health.
Thus, nursing before solids is a good way to incorporate complementary solids slowly so that your supply is maintained, and your baby continues getting the breastmilk he or she needs.
However, feeding solids first might work for you if you’re ensuring that nursing stays primary by limiting the amount and frequency of solids. Additionally, if you’re planning on weaning at 12 months of baby’s age.
Sources
[1] Assessment of dietary vitamin D requirements during pregnancy and lactation
DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding you or your baby’s health. Please read my Medical Disclaimer for more info
DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may get a commission if you decide to purchase something through my links at no cost to you. Please read my Disclaimer for more info.
Leave a Reply