Starting solid food
Month 4, week 2
The first time your baby tries solid food is a big deal! Get a camera
and video camera to record their expressions and reactions.
To prepare:
- Choose a time when your child is happy and not too hungry, tired or grumpy. Make sure you take your time to enjoy yourself.
- Choose food to present first. Feed them for a few days before introducing the next new food to check for allergic reactions.
- If you notice diarrhea, skin rash or vomiting after introducing a new food, stop offering it and consult your pediatrician.
- If you offer cereal, make sure it's a cereal specifically made for children; they are enriched with special nutrients that children at this age need.
Your baby's development this week
By now, your child may be showing a lot of interest in the food you eat!
Experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about six months and note that
most babies are ready to start complementary foods between four and six months
of age.
Here are some signs that your child is ready:
- They lose the tongue thrust reflex that pushes the spoon out of their mouth.
- They are interested in what you eat - they make "oooh" sounds when they watch you eat, or they try to grab your fork or piece of bread.
- They can sit with good head control on a high chair, although they still need body support.
- They can suck on their lower lip to scoop up food with a spoon.
You may wonder about:
- What
foods to introduce first. Single-grain cereals like rice are common first
foods, but you don't have to start with them. You can try mashed potatoes from
any healthy food, including meats, vegetables, or fruits.
- Is
it worth starting with vegetables so that the child learns to love them? There is no
supporting evidence. Babies naturally prefer sweet things, and the order in
which you introduce foods doesn't change that.
- How
long to continue breastfeeding. Even after the introduction of solid foods, breast
milk or formula is your baby's main source of nutrition during the first year
of life. Continue breastfeeding for at least a year if you can.
- Can I just add solids to the bottle? An important part of your
child's development is the ability to eat from a spoon and participate in
family meals. If your child has been diagnosed with reflux, the pediatrician may
ask you to add cereal to the bottle.
- Is
your child getting enough nutrients? If your baby is breastfeeding,
you need to give him 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily during
this time. Talk to your pediatrician. Iron-rich foods are important because the
iron stores your baby was born with have run out. Sources include fortified
cereals, meats, and spinach. Red meat, turkey, and lentils will add zinc to
your child's diet to boost their immune system.
Month 4, week 2 tips
- Don't wait too long to start eating solid foods. While it is recommended to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months, after six months, babies may be more determined and reluctant to switch to new foods.
- Your child may need fiber in their diet to stay healthy. Try prunes, pear juice, or oatmeal.
- Not all medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding. Check with your pediatrician or call a poison control center to check what you are taking, with or without a prescription.
- Your baby will gain about 400-500 grams per month and grow about 5-7.5 cm over the next 3 months.
- If your child seems insatiably hungry or has a poor appetite, consult a pediatrician.
- Your child may be teething, which can make them fussy. But teething rarely causes fever. If your child has a temperature above 38.3°C, he is probably sick. Contact their doctor.
- Continue to encourage your child's development with conversation, colorful toys and interaction.