041Baby columnist Odette Parfitt tackles one of the biggest new mom hurdles, introducing solids, with the help of a registered dietitian.
AS time flies by and my son grows bigger by the minute, we recently started feeding him solid foods (though without teeth and the ability to chew, “solid” is a liberal term). This can be a complicated process, so I thought it would be good to consult an expert.
041Baby spoke to dietitian Amber Kelly to get some advice.
When do you advise new parents to start their baby on solid foods?
This is probably the most common question or debate, but according to the World Health Organisation, the recommendation is at 6 months of age. There are alternative guidelines that suggest 4 months of age, so I do always tell parents to make sure that their babies are not only age-ready but also showing the five signs of developmental readiness:
- Has good head and neck control
- Can sit up with support
- Shows an interest in food
- Opens their mouth when food is offered
- Does not have a prominent tongue-thrust reflex
That being said, parents shouldn’t rush starting solids as there are potential risks or complications if you start your child too early. It is important to also note that the age of starting may differ in premature babies.
What advice would you give them for this process and how their baby should adjust?
Start with a single-ingredient food, and try to introduce foods one at a time so that you can monitor for potential reactions. I also advise to start with one meal a day (in the morning or afternoon) and try to give the food after a naptime but also after the baby has had their milk (breastmilk/formula) feed, as this is still their most important nutrition source.
There are so many ways to start and go about this journey. What are some of the universal dos and don’ts when it comes to introducing solid foods?
DO:
- Follow your child’s feeding cues in terms of how much they eat
- Offer a variety of foods and flavour combinations
- Let them get messy
- Continue to offer foods that you think they don’t “like”
- Add herbs and flavours
- Progress in texture as they get older
- Make mealtimes a happy, positive experience
DON’T:
- Add sugar or salt or any forms of sugary/salty foods
- Give honey before the age of 1 year
- Give cow’s milk as a drink before the age of 1 year
- Give potential choking hazards
- Force them to eat more if they show signs of being full
Do you have a rough guideline of when which foods should be introduced, or is there not a right or wrong way?
I don’t believe there is a right food to start with, and even a “right way” to progress with foods, but I would usually suggest starting with an orange vegetable as it is naturally sweet. I also usually advise to offer a variety of vegetables, grains and proteins before offering fruits as these are much sweeter and could make them develop a preference.
How should parents go about introducing allergens?
If you have a family history of food allergies please consult your paediatrician before introducing that specific food. Otherwise, with other allergens I recommend giving them for three days in a row, while monitoring for any reactions. It’s important to not give any other new foods on these days so that if they do react, you know what they’re reacting to.
How important is it to bring water into a baby’s diet?
This is very important to start giving sips of water when they start solids, to aid in digestion and help prevent or alleviate constipation. Don’t offer too much as you don’t want it to replace breastmilk/formula – I usually say sips during the day and not more than 60ml to start.
How will solids affect my baby’s breastmilk/formula feeds?
At least until 9 months, breastmilk or formula should always be offered before food. Food can then be offered roughly 30 minutes after a milk feed. It’s still really important for them to get their primary nutrition from their milk feeds.
Do you have any advice for parents who want to try baby-led weaning?
Baby-led weaning (feeding your child finger foods from the get-go) is quite a hot topic, and it’s something that I love assisting parents with should they want to go this route. I think that it’s also important for parents to know that they can do traditional (puree) weaning, baby led weaning OR can do a combination of both methods. If they choose to do purées, then it’s important to progress in texture with the goal of having your baby eating finger foods around 9-12 months.
When would you say it is important for parents to consult a dietitian on this journey?
If they are feeling uncertain or overwhelmed and need some guidance, or if their child experiences any digestive problems after starting solids e.g. constipation. Sometimes parents also consult if their baby is refusing milk feeds or refusing water, and we can assist.
*For more information or guidance, contact info@amberkelly.co.za
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