You asked

How do I introduce solids?

Most doctors recommend that you start feeding your child solids from six months of age, although some parents start trying their child with solids from around four months old.

It’s important to remember that younger children are more prone to bad reactions to food, so if you are starting to try solids earlier, avoid foods that commonly cause allergies and reactions, like citrus, dairy, eggs and seafood.

If your baby can sit when supported, is making chewing motions, can hold his or her head up, and seems interested in your food, then it may be time to start experimenting with solids.

Rice or another gluten free cereal that you make with your baby’s milk is usually a good choice as a first food, as it’s unlikely to cause allergic reactions. You could also try purees of a single fruit or vegetable.

Make sure that the food you’re serving is warm, but not hot, and start with a little at a time – a teaspoon should be fine. After all, this is more about getting used to tastes and textures than nutrition!

If you find that your baby doesn’t want to eat, or spits the food out, don’t force the issue. Just try again another day.

More questions

Know when the time is right to start giving your baby regular milk
There are some foods that your baby should not be eating before his or her first birthday.
Knowing what solid foods to feed your baby
Risks to babies from unsterilised bottles
While breast feeding is best for your child, many mums choose to bottle feed for a variety of reasons.
From around four to six months old, most babies will be ready to try solid food for the first time.
You should never leave formula out of the fridge for longer than an hour.
When to introduce fruit juice to your infant
Choosing the right formula for your child
Your newborn needs to be fed often and there are feeding cues you can watch out for which will indicate hunger.

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