If breast milk has now been the manna of your child’s life for the last few months, and you think that now would be the best time to initiate the switch to solid foods? Then here are a few things you need to be aware of as you commence this undertaking.

When to initiate solid foods

First pediatricians advise that the child should be at least six months before you introduce solid food. But research shows that anywhere between the age of four to six months suffices. If the child shows any discomfort or disinclination, or if there is any cause for alarm, then switch back to breast milk and wait for a few more weeks. Consult your doctor before trying solid food again as each child has unique bodily functions and requires a different sensitivity.

Most children around this age begin to show an interest in the food eaten by others around them. They also begin to sit up and can use their necks to support their heads comfortably. The latter is very crucial to avoid choking and no child should be fed while they are in the reclining position, more so in the case of solid food. Seated on the mothers lap, or in an appropriate baby seat is the best way for them to begin. They also have more control over their tongues and can move food around in their mouth, which is always a good sign that they are ready. The introduction should be gradual and in small amounts as per your baby’s comfort. This will go far to help the digestive system adjust and is also useful to identify allergies if any. Breast milk should not be stopped completely but be continued parallelly till the child has completely adapted to solid food.

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