When to Introduce Solid Foods

June 05, 2019

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting your child on solids between 4 and 6 months. But because every child is different, also look for the following signs that they are developmentally ready:

They can sit well when supported and hold their head up in a steady, upright position.
They are curious and show interest in what you are eating. They may open their mouths and lean forward when food is offered.
They lost the tongue-thrust reflex that automatically pushes food out of their mouth.

For the first few feedings, give your baby 2 to 4 tablespoons of pureed solid food or infant cereal. Start simple with single-ingredient foods with no sugar or salt. Iron and zinc are important nutrients in the second half of your baby's first year. These nutrients are found in pureed meats and single-grain, iron-fortified cereal. Wait 3-5 days before introducing any new foods to easily determine the cause in case your baby has a reaction.

Avoid giving your baby the following foods: honey (if introduced too early, can cause botulism), cow’s milk (can increase the risk of iron deficiency) and foods that are choking hazards (nuts, popcorn, grapes, raw vegetables, hot dogs, chunks of meat/cheese, hard candy) It is important to continue with breast milk or formula feedings until your baby is at least a year old to provide necessary nutrition.

As soon as your child understands the concept of eating and is excited by mealtime, start them on a schedule for breakfast, lunch and dinner to establish a routine. Remember, if your little one does not express interest in eating, never force or pressure them to eat. Creating a positive feeding relationship and environment builds a foundation for healthy eating.

Perry Mackin understands that once your little one transitions to solid food, all bets are off when it comes to messes. Because we want moms to invest time enjoying their baby's sloppy tray, gooey hands and sticky face instead of laundry, we designed our innovative 360-degree rotating, reversible bib for multiple uses.

Simply rotate the bib when one side becomes dirty and use a clean side right away. And the absorbent cotton layers ensure that your little ones stay dry. Our 360-degree round bib is perfect for busy moms tackling everyday mealtime messes while stylishly complimenting your babies’ outfit with its adorable fabric print.

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