Tips for Starting Solids

So the time has come - You are ready to take the leap with your baby into the world of starting solids!

It’s emotional because it feels like one of the biggest milestones of your baby becoming more than a little blob, they are becoming a little person!

As a 1st time Mum, I couldn’t wait to get started, what could be cuter?! As a 2nd time Mum, I was more than happy to wait, I know how messy and time consuming it is!

As a 1st timer it was all organic, home made with love. My 2nd got a few more shop made pouches than I would like to admit - But I give myself a break for that!

There is a TON of info out there about Starting Solids, and some it of contradictory! So I thought I would share what I know, as a busy Mum of two.

First - Get your camera ready - The facial expressions your baby will make are gold when they either love something (apple) or hate something (breastmilk porridge)!

So, How do you know your baby is ready to start?

There are a few factors to consider.

• Age - The WHO recommendation is 6 months for supplementary food. Supplementary because Milk is still your babies main source of nutrition. So always breastfeed or bottle feed first with solids around an hour later.

• What about 4 Months? For me, that’s a little early. They are still pretty much a blob at this point. They don’t “need” it. I did it with my 1st this early at the Dr’s recommendation that said she was allowed to start trying. In hindsight I should have waited, she wasn’t ready.

• “But Grandma said” - Usually what will happen, is around 4 months babies go through a huge sleep regression. Try to reframe that as a growth spurt to save your sanity! But they usually cluster feed non stop and sleep less, leaving Mums confused and thinking they mustn’t have enough milk or the baby is starving. It’s actually neither of these things. It’s your baby growing quickly and having a big developmental leap as well. So they up their feeding game. But someone well meaning somewhere along the line will suggest that you start solids to help them sleep better. Have you heard the one about “well I put porridge in your milk and you were fine”? Yeah we are, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be done! Keep feeding milk through the 4 month growth spurt and you will come out the other side, I promise!

• Posture - They can sit well and hold their head and neck up. Photo at the end of this article shows you the bad posture vs good posture.

• Tongue-Thrust - Baby has lost the tongue-thrust reflex and does not automatically push solids out of their mouth with their tongue. Watch my 4 month old that I said wasn’t ready above doing the tongue thrust here. Forgive our excitement in the video, we didn’t know this was her not being ready.

• Showing Interest - They are reaching for your food and showing interest in what you are eating.

What foods should I start with?

Keep it simple. Start with one food at a time for 3 days. This helps eliminate any allergies, then you can blend them.
For example, Pumpkin Day 1, 2 and 3. Apple Day 4, 5 & 6 - Day 7 can be a Pumpkin / Apple Blend because you know there isn’t an allergy to either food.

Start with plain purees for taste and texture and gradually work in Baby Led Weaning. Baby Led Weaning is pieces of food that babies bring to their mouth themselves rather than spoon feeding. Soft boiled pumpkin, avocado etc are all good choices.

Foods for Poop!

Babies that have just started solids can have poop changes including Diarrhoea and / or Constipation.
P foods like Pear / Peach / Prunes all help baby to do a big poop.
The BRAT Diet helps binds babies up with they have an upset tummy - Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast.

Allergy Foods

Eggs, Peanuts and others usually give parents anxiety. I’ve seen a friends baby react to strawberries, so allergy foods are definitely something to be aware of when starting solids. Personally I have always done peanut just before a vaccine appointment in the Dr’s carpark just to be on the safe side!
It is recommended that allergy foods be given before the age of 12 months. If you have a family allergy, your baby may be at a higher risk for developing an allergy as well. You could start with a small amount rubbed onto the inside of your babies mouth and see if there is a reaction. Usually redness around the mouth is the first sign.

For more detailed information on allergy foods check out this awesome information at ASCIA

Every Parents Biggest Fear - CHOKING!

Starting solids can be nerve racking for parents. My tip is to watch them like a hawk especially in those early days! My daughter had a proper chocking incident with bread. Which is why I didn’t let her eat it again for a long time and I waited for bread with my son for a long time as well. She had been sucking on some Vegemite toast (like any true blue Aussie kid!) and had made it soggy and it then stuck to the back of her throat. I ripped her out of her chair, threw her over my knee, did the back blows and managed to dislodge the bread.
Now, I recommend everyone does a family first aid course before starting solids.

Here is a tip from Mitch Harris from Beaches First Aid regarding how to know if it is choking or gagging.

Recognising the difference between choking and gagging can reassure a parent when introducing solid foods, or witnessing a baby possibly in distress.

A baby gagging will often make wretching sounds, will still be breathing, and will most likely expel the object of their own accord.
A baby choking (complete airway obstruction) will often involve wheezing sounds, or no sound at all, indicating a complete blockage. They may also change colour (becoming pale or blue).

First Aid management for choking involves 5 sharp back blows delivered between the babies shoulder blades, followed by 5 chest thrusts delivered to the babies sternum. Repeat the process and seek medical attention immediately if unsuccessful on the first cycle.

Stuff!

A good supportive highchair that is easy to clean and ideally has a footrest. Also get one on wheels as you find different places around the house to eat. Make sure its height adjustable to put at your dining table later on without the table.

I am open of those people that have a bunch of chair options! I have a regular high chair, a booster seat that goes on a normal dining chair and a chair that bolts onto my breast fast bar!

Definitely bibs that catch food! Soft bowls that suction to the table or high chair. Soft Spoons for spoon feeding.

Lots of small containers for when you cook up in bulk and store in the freezer so that you can take them out on the go.

Good clothes detergent! Especially good for when you try things like beetroot and tomato sauce!

Snacks!

Once your babe is into the solids game, outings and adventures require you to never leave the home without snack! As they saying goes, I am just some Tiny Humans Snack B*&ch! I have snacks hidden in my glove box, the boot of the car, the stroller, my diaper bag and my handbag! They keep your babe occupied and happy while you have your adult latte with your mate, thanks snack queens!

Overall, have fun with it! It’s messy but adorable and is your first big foray into having a toddler. Take lots of photos. Do the lemon taste test challenge, that face is work every pic! Explore food as a family with them and try not to put pressure on it. Also, you will cry when you spend hours making something you think they will love, only to have them hate it and the dog ends up eating it all when its on the floor.

Enjoy!

Peta x

Matilda - 4 Months - NOT ready for solids!

Angus - 6 Months - Ready for Solids!