Although there are nearly ten million questions parents have about caring for a newborn, one of the most common questions is when to start feeding the baby solid foods.

With so much information and so many different opinions out there about introducing solids, it’s no wonder parents are confused. We have some wisdom to share in trying to clear things up when it’s time for your baby to start eating solid foods.

How will I know when my baby is ready to eat solid foods?

If you’re trying to figure out if your baby is ready to grow for that first spoonful, a good general rule of thumb is that he should hit the following milestones:

• They can confidently sit on their own.
• They don’t immediately push solids out of their mouth with their tongue.
• They like to chew.
• They begin to pick things up with the thumb and forefinger (also known as the pincer grip).
• They show an interest in meal time and may try to eat food and put it in their mouth.

What is the right age for my baby to start eating solid foods?

The American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the CDC, UNICEF, and a slew of other health organizations recommend postponing solid foods until 6 months, mainly because it doesn’t hurt. No.  _ According to the AAP, waiting up to 6 months to introduce solid foods will not delay your baby’s development, nor will it increase the risk of allergies; They will be able to grow on breast milk or formula alone.

What are the benefits of waiting until 6 months to start feeding my baby solid foods?

Some of the benefits of sticking to solid foods include giving the baby time to mature, increasing protection from illness, ensuring the growing child is ready to eat solid foods, reducing future obesity risks, and potentially protecting them from iron deficiency. Anemia.

What about a 4 month old baby eating solid foods?

You’ll inevitably hear from some mom in a Facebook group or a relative at a family gathering that it’s okay to start as early as four months. The only organization that supports this is the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. They recommend introducing your baby to solid foods between four and six months, starting with less allergenic foods and gradually introducing eggs, dairy products, peanuts, nuts, fish and shellfish. They state that delaying introducing these types of foods  can  actually increase your child’s risk of developing an allergy.

Most health organizations still recommend waiting up to 6 months, but talk with your doctor to determine what’s best for your child.

Does my baby sleep better when he starts eating solid foods?

There’s a good chance your Great Aunt Joanne will tell you that the sooner you get your baby solid foods, the sooner you’ll be able to sleep through the night. Sorry, aunty, but no. Unfortunately, not only have studies shown that solids won’t help your baby sleep longer, but they can have the opposite effect if food causes your baby to have tummy ache (or diaper burst). Your best bet is to ditch it and tell Aunt Joan that you’ll “completely look into it” the next time she tells you to add some cereal to your baby’s bottle (but don’t  actually look at it  , k?)

What foods should I give my baby first?

Although you can totally allow your child to try a little bit of everything, it is recommended that you give him a new food every three days to watch for signs of an allergic reaction, including vomiting, rash or diarrhea. Sticking to one food at a time helps you identify the cause of the allergy, rather than trying to figure out which of the five things on their plate gave them a reaction. This includes cereals – start with a single whole grain such as oats or barley instead of ‘oats and apples’ at first, so if your child is having a reaction, you know which is the culprit.

Introducing the solid foods table for the baby

Here is a sample timeline showing how you can start introducing solid foods into your child’s diet.

Is there anything I absolutely need to feed my baby?

It is very important for your child to eat foods rich in iron to aid in his development. Vitamin D and zinc are also essential.

• Iron:  Adequate levels of iron are essential for brain development and reduce your child’s risk of anemia. In addition to fortified grains, foods such as tofu, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, poultry, red meat, and fatty fish are good sources of iron. Pairing these foods with foods rich in vitamin C (such as citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, broccoli, and cabbage) aids iron absorption.
• Zinc: Zinc  can be found in foods such as red meat, whole-grain bread, cereal, seafood, and dried beans. Your child needs zinc to help with the growth and development of the immune system, reproductive organs, and brain.
• Vitamin D:  Vitamin D is important for bone growth. The most common way to make sure your child gets enough is with these handy little drops, but fish, eggs and fortified vitamin D products like cow’s milk (for babies over a year) also contain vitamin D.

Is there anything that should not be fed to my child?

• Yeah. It is important that your baby does not eat any honey or foods containing honey until he is at least twelve months old, as there is a risk of botulism in infants.
• You can also skip added sugar, processed foods, juices, and whole milk (wait until they are at least 12 months old).
• Watch out for foods like grapes, raisins, popcorn, raw vegetables, and nut butters because they can lead to choking.

What is the weaning led by the child?

Many parents go the mashed route while their baby learns the ropes of solid foods, while others prefer baby-led weaning.

If you’re not familiar with the term, baby-led weaning allows your child to sit in the driver’s seat trying out solid foods. About 6 months old, give them soft finger foods that they can pick up and bring to their mouths themselves. The benefits of baby-led weaning include improved hand-eye coordination, chewing skills, and healthy eating habits (such as stopping when full). It is recommended that you start with single ingredient foods to help identify any potential allergens for your child.

What’s the scoop on baby poo when eating solid foods?

Once your baby starts eating solid foods, his poop will change. Prepare yourself for a more solid foul smell that will become more or less frequent than it was before, depending on what they ate (hey – we never said it would be more predictable!) If your child has diarrhea, it could be signs of an allergy, so make a note The food they ate before changing their diapers, and pay close attention the next time they try them.