Which solids are safe for a baby?

Your baby is six months old and you want to introduce solid foods but maybe are unsure where to start? For the newborn months infants exist on nothing but milk, be it formula or breast milk. When it is time to introduce solids, it is important to take it slowly. It is like teaching a child any new task or routine, start small and practice.

Another important aspect of beginning solid foods is that there are some foods that should be avoided altogether until the baby’s digestive system is more fully developed. Typically, this is after the child has turned a year of age. Foods that are allergens are at the top of the lists including peanuts, eggs, and fish. Also cow milk and honey should not be given until after a year of age as well.

Great starter foods include mashed fruit and vegetables, mashed meat, and grains like crackers and cereals. Begin with foods that are more liquid in texture in order to train your child to chew and swallow before advancing to truly solid food.

Introduce one new food at a time and wait two to three days before starting another. This helps to narrow down options in the case of an allergic reaction. Watch for diarrhea, vomiting or sudden rashes as a sign of a reaction.