Signs of Readiness to Introduce Solids to Your Baby
Starting solids can be both an exciting and daunting time as a parent. Regardless of whether it’s your first or fourth child, parents can often still be unsure when to make the transition. Here are five signs, written by a qualified dietitian, that you can look for to help make the decision for when it’s the right time to introduce solids to your bub.
Your baby can hold their head up well and sit well when supported. This is non negotiable.
Your baby has begun to show interest in food. They may watch you eat, imitate your chewing motions or try and grab at your food.
Your baby should enjoy trying solid foods. If they repeatedly turn away, cry, or spit out the food then they may not be ready and you can try again in another week or two.
Your baby is 4-6 months old. Around 6 months of age your baby’s requirement for Iron increases as the stores they laid down before birth are becoming depleted. This requirement needs to be met through food rather than breast milk or formula, which are low in iron. This is the only nutrient that babies actually need from food before 12 months of age. Breast milk or formula can otherwise support all of their nutritional needs and therefore eating before 12 months old is just for practicing! It’s for them to learn how to chew and swallow and develop movements for speech.
Your baby is able to bring things to their mouth and has lost their tongue thrust reflex
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.