So you think your bub is ready for solids, how exciting! But where do you start…? Our Dietitian, Julia, has put together some tips and helpful information to help guide you through the process.

1. When should I introduce solids to my baby?

   
   Both the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend introducing solid foods at around 6 months of age. There are no benefits to introducing solid foods before this time.

   Introducing solid foods too early can cause problems such as:

   • increased risk of choking

   • decreased breastmilk production

   • increased exposure to germs

   • increased load on your baby’s kidneys

   • constipation from poor digestion

   Babies may show signs of readiness between 4-6 months of age but babies should never have solid foods before 4 months.

   See our signs of readiness blog post to learn about the signs your baby will show when they are ready to start solids.

2. What foods should I use when I first introduce solid foods to my baby?

   The first food you introduce to your baby should be Iron rich foods such as;

   
   - Iron enriched cereals
   - Minced, stewed or grated meat, poultry or fish
   - cooked legumes
   - cooked egg

   
   You can also include fruit, cooked vegetables and full fat dairy products.
   Food safety is important. Babies have immature immune systems and can easily become sick from food poisoning.

   First foods can be introduced in any order and at a rate that suits your baby, as long as iron-rich foods are included.

   Always breast or bottle-feed your baby first. Breastmilk or formula is still the main source of nutrition for your baby until around 12 months of age. At first, solid foods are just extras that help them learn to chew and swallow. This also helps with muscle and jaw development for speech. Many babies will eat only a very small amount to start with (less than ½ teaspoon), while others may want more.

3. Meal Times

   Remember eating needs to be a safe and enjoyable activity. Always stay with your baby while they are eating and have a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Pick a time when they are not too tired or hungry. Waking from a nap then having a breast or bottle feed and then waiting 20 minutes before you start mealtimes is often the best option.

   Remember it may take babies up to 10 times of trying a new food before they accept it.

   When you first introduce solids, if your baby becomes upset, refuses to open their mouth or repeatedly spits out food then they may not be ready for solids. Which is fine! You can try again soon.

4. Foods to avoid

   There are some foods babies must avoid including:

   Honey. Honey can contain the bacteria that produce botulism toxins. It can colonise their immature gut and cause severe illness. It must be avoided in infants under 12 months old.
   Nuts and other small hard foods. Babies can easily choke on nuts and other small, hard foods. Nut pastes and spreads can be offered from 6 months.
   Tea. Tea contains tannins and can reduce your baby’s ability to absorb iron and other important nutrients.
   Fruit juice. Juice offers no health benefits to babies under 12 months. Eating whole fruit is best.
   Cow’s Milk. Cows milk is not recommended as baby’s main milk until after 12 months. Use breastmilk or infant formula only. Cow's milk can be used in cooking and other dairy foods like yogurt , custard or cheese can be included.

   Caffeinated and sugar-sweetened drinks such as soft drinks or energy drinks should not be given to babies.

Our dietitian, Julia, specialises in paediatric, prenatal and postnatal nutrition and is available to work with you through any questions or concerns you may be having. We're here to help. Julia is available for appointments both face to face or via telehealth, book online or call us to book a time.

If you’re after some more advice or are in need of some hands on help, we’d love to see you at Collective Motion! Collective Motion offers Osteopathy, Myotherapy, Dietetics and Pilates and is conveniently located to service our Bentleigh community as well as its surrounding suburbs including Bentleigh East, McKinnon, Ormond, Glenhuntly, Murrumbeena, Carnegie, Oakleigh, Gardenvale, Brighton East and Hampton East. Click below to book an appointment and let us help you get moving again.