Your little one is starting to grow up, and eventually they will need be started on solid foods.  Do you have the common questions “What kind, how, and when should I start my baby on solid foods?”  If so, let us try and help you answer that!  Listed below are tips to starting your baby off with solid foods.

When do I start giving my baby solid foods? –

You will want to introduce solid baby food at around 4-6 months as long as your baby is ready.  Although, if they aren’t, feeding them formula or breast milk will allow them to get all the nourishment, and calories they need to grow up strong and healthy.  A babies digestive track won’t be ready until they reach about their half birthday.  So, refrain from giving it to them too early.  Although, once your baby is around 8 months old, they should be eating solid food 3 times a day.

Some signs that they’re ready –

You will want to make sure they can lift their head, and have control of it.  Also, you want to make sure they can sit up well on their own, have a little bit of a weight gain (weighing around 15 lbs +), and they can keep food in their mouth without spitting it out.  It is also a good sign if they have an increase in appetite, and if they are starting to be curious about what you’re eating.

How do I start giving my baby solid foods? –

Once your baby is the right age, and you think they are ready to handle solids, you will want to start them out slow.  First give them little pieces of baby food.  Cut it in tiny pieces, and little spoon fulls of baby food.  You don’t want to shock them, but instead introduce it slowly to them.

What kind of solid baby food is recommended? –

There are a lot of great baby foods on the market.  Some of the most popular are Gerber, Beachnut, and Del Monte.  These are all great choices!  The most important thing to look for in baby food is nutrition and ingredients.  Make sure you give them the vitamins they need (fruits, vegetables, protein, etc) when you give them solid food.  Other than that, any baby food is okay.

Introducing your baby to solid foods is very exciting.  They aren’t sure what it’s like, are curious, and it’s fun to give them something different than a bottle.  So, if you’re looking for tips on giving your baby solid foods, consider these tips above for guidance.  Good luck!