Hey mama, we’ve all been there – you’re sitting down for dinner, and suddenly, your little one is eyeing your plate like it’s the most fascinating thing in the world. You start to wonder, “Is it time for solids?” It’s exciting to think about this next stage of your baby’s journey, but let’s make sure it’s the right time.
I’m hearing a lot these days about when to introduce solids, and it can feel a bit overwhelming. If you’ve been hanging out in mom groups or scrolling through Instagram, you might’ve seen all sorts of advice – some of it helpful, some… not so much. And while the baby food aisle at the store might look tempting, knowing when your baby is truly ready to start solids is super important for their health and well-being.
Did you know that most pediatricians get only a tiny bit of training in infant nutrition during medical school? Yep, you heard that right! A lot of what they know about baby food comes from – you guessed it – baby food companies. And while those jars of pureed sweet potatoes look innocent enough, it’s no secret that these companies are more focused on sales than what’s really best for our little ones.
Let’s keep it real – we all want the best for our babies, not just what’s “okay.” Sure, you’ll hear things like, “I started my baby on solids at 4 months, and they turned out fine,” but let’s aim for more than fine. We want our kiddos to thrive, not just get by.
Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) are dedicated to supporting us mamas and our little ones. They provide guidelines rooted in solid research. Their recommendations include:
- Exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months.
- Introducing solid foods after six months while continuing to breastfeed for at least two years or as long as you and your little one are happy with it.
But here’s the thing: even at the end of six months, not every baby is ready. So how can you tell when it’s truly time? Look for these signs of readiness:
- Sitting up like a pro (with minimal or no support).
- Holding their head steady all by themselves.
- Reaching for food and bringing it to their mouth.
- No more tongue-thrust reflex, meaning they’re not pushing food out of their mouth automatically.
- Showing real interest in what you’re eating (and not just the shiny spoon).
- Making chewing motions, not just sucking or licking.
Let’s be honest, we all get excited when our babies start showing interest in food – it’s a huge milestone! But it’s also important to remember that their little tummies might not be quite ready yet. If we jump the gun, introducing solids too soon can increase the risk of food allergies, digestive problems, and even chronic health issues later on.
And we’ve all been there with the fear of choking. You might notice your baby is curious about food, but if they’re not sitting up well on their own, it’s a sign to hold off a little longer. Waiting for them to sit independently (along with the other readiness signs) ensures they can chew and swallow safely, making mealtime a whole lot more fun for everyone.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – your baby is going through a growth spurt, they’re not sleeping as well, and you’re wondering if introducing solids will help. These are totally normal phases, and adding solids too early won’t be the magic fix we hope for. Babies have growth spurts and sleep regressions, and starting solids too soon can make things more complicated.
The best part? Your baby has their whole life to enjoy delicious food! There’s no rush. By waiting for these readiness signs, you’re setting your little one up for a healthier, happier start without any unnecessary risks.
If you’re ever feeling unsure or have questions about when and how to start solids, I’m here to help you! This is such an exciting time, and it’s even better when you feel confident in your decisions. Whether you’re wondering about readiness signs, how to start, or just need some personalized advice, let’s chat! Send me a message or schedule a consultation so we can navigate this stage together. You don’t have to go through this alone – I’ve got your back, mama!
Also, stay tuned for my upcoming course ‘Breastfeeding & Beyond: A Journey to Healthier Motherhood’ where I dive deep into topics like managing breastfeeding challenges, and improving your overall health. Plus, you’ll get access to my exclusive community where you can connect with other moms who share the same journey, exchange tips, recipes, and even get answers to your pressing questions about motherhood, nutrition, and everything in between. Join my waitlist to be the first to know when it launches!”
And if you’re wondering which foods to start with, I say: Begin with what’s on the family table! Especially when it looks like what you’ll find in my article ‘Nutrient-Dense Meals for Breastfeeding Moms: More Energy for You and Your Baby‘.
Let’s make sure your little one’s transition into solid foods is joyful, safe, and perfectly timed. Can’t wait to connect with you soon!