When your baby is born, it might be hard to imagine your little bundle of joy ever growing up and eating solid food. They just seem so content (and get so much nourishment from) drinking breastmilk! But the reality is that they grow up fast–and sooner than you can blink, you’ll have to start planning on the best way to transition from breastmilk to solids.
Usually, this transition occurs gradually between the ages of 6 to 12 months. But every child is different. Your child may show an interest in solid food earlier–or later–than most other kids. This is nothing to worry about as long as your child is gaining weight to your pediatrician’s satisfaction.
It’s not unusual for parents to have many questions during this transition period. For example, you might wonder which foods your baby can (or should) eat? Should they still be drinking breastmilk? What foods should be avoided? Getting the right information can make the transition to solids easier–for both parents and children.
When to Begin Transitioning from Breastmilk to Solids
Breastmilk (or formula) is an incredibly important part of your baby’s diet from the moment they’re born until they reach the age of at least 1 year. Breastmilk has been linked to improved educational outcomes and protection from illness as they grow up. So, as you transition to solids, breastmilk should continue to be part of your child’s diet.
When Should You Start Introducing Solid Food?
It’s important to note here that “solid” food does not necessarily mean hard food. Babies will start by eating mushy, mashed, or soft foods. During this period, they will also continue to get most of their nutrition from breastmilk.
For most families, this is how the timeline of this transition may break down:
Before 6 months: Your child is ready when they can hold their head up with some stability and can open their mouth for a spoon. At that point, you can begin introducing some solid foods in the form of smooth, semi-liquid foods (think of baby food). Start by introducing only a teaspoon or two at a time.
Age 6 months (or so): You can start to introduce some solid foods in very small quantities. Puffed rice is a great food to begin with because it contains very few allergens and a high amount of iron.
Ages 6-9 months: You can encourage your baby to start drinking water or breastmilk from a cup with a sipping lid (usually called a sippy cup). The more enthusiastically your baby takes to the sippy cup, the faster you can transition from bottle-drinking to cup-drinking.
Age 9-12 months: You can gradually increase the variety of foods you introduce to your children. In general, you should only introduce one new food at a time. That way, you’ll be able to notice any correlation between specific foods and bad reactions.
How Do You Know When Your Baby is Ready?
This transition to solid foods typically happens somewhat gradually. You don’t want to rush your child off of breastmilk or formula. Because every child is a little different, watch for the following signs that your baby might be ready for the transition to solid foods:
Your child can sit up straight when supported. It’s also important that your child demonstrates adequate head control. This can help prevent choking (your baby should not, for example, try to eat solid food while laying down).
Your child shows an interest in food. If they grab for food while you’re eating and show interest in what you’re doing at meal times, it’s a good sign that you can begin the transition to solid foods.
If you have any questions about when to begin transitioning from breastmilk to solids or how to help your newborn get the nutrition they need, talk to your pediatrician today.
What Foods Can Your Child Eat?
Many parents have questions about what they can feed their children, when their children will be ready for specific foods, and which foods they may want to avoid. This is understandable! After all, it’s exciting to see your child light up with joy (or watch their face scrunch up in disgust) when they try new foods. And, of course, the last thing you want to do is accidentally feed your child something harmful!
In general, you may want to consider starting with the following broad categories of foods:
Meat
Poultry
Cooked tofu
Baby cereals (these are iron rich cereals made especially for babies)
Lentils, chickpeas, beans, and other lentils
These particular foods can be introduced in any order that works for your family and that your baby shows interest in. However, these foods should be mashed, mushy, or be generally soft (with soft lumps in them). Avoid anything that your baby might have to chew or that is hard or crunchy (also avoid seeds, skin, pits).
As your baby gets a little older and starts gaining confidence with foods and competence with eating, you can introduce:
Cooked and pureed vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, and broccoli.
Stewed and pureed fruits, such as berries, peaches, or apples.
A smashed up banana.
Tofu, chicken, or meat that has been cut up into very small, bite sized pieces.
What Foods Should be Avoided?
There are some foods which may be harmful to your child or which may present specific risks to your baby. These foods should be avoided during the transition to solids.
Some of the most common foods you may want to avoid include:
Cow’s milk: avoid giving your child dairy products until after that 12 month marker.
Added sugar: Avoid putting sugar on anything you’re giving to your child, including cereal or fruits.
Large pieces of uncooked or raw fruits, such as apples.
Honey (at least until your child is at least 12 months) due to the risk of botulism.
Runny or uncooked eggs, as these may present a risk of infection in children under the age of 12 months.
Overly processed or sugary foods (such as frozen chicken nuggets or fruit juice, respectively).
Shellfish.
If you have any hesitation or concerns whatsoever, talk to your pediatrician about a full list of the foods you should avoid giving to your baby.
General Do’s, Don’ts and Other Advice
No one comes into the world knowing how to eat. As parents, it’s your job to help teach your little one the basics. Sure, they can drink milk–but you get to help them turn into true eaters. There are some ways you can help shape successful eating habits and turn meal time into a time to be treasured. Here are some basic tips:
Let your child get messy: Babies are not clean eaters. Let your baby get messy and just help them wash up afterwards! This helps develop eating skills as your child grows and starts using utensils (such as spoons).
Let your baby lead the way: Your baby will give you cues when they’re ready to eat. And they’ll let you know what they want to eat (or what they want to avoid). They won’t use words to communicate this, so try to pay attention to body language and facial expressions.
Favor simplicity: Try to select simple foods for your child. Limit the number of ingredients, and avoid strong spices. Remember that their taste buds are just starting to develop, so they can become easily overstimulated or have trouble processing complex flavors.
Don’t overwhelm your baby: Unless your baby is reaching for all kinds of foods, limit them to trying one new food at a time. (This doesn’t have to be over a long time. You can choose one new food every day or every meal.) That will help give you an indication of what your baby likes and what they don’t.
Help your baby stay hydrated: Letting them drink water throughout the day (especially in a sippy cup) is definitely recommended.
Feed them breastmilk before meal times: Try to make sure that you feed your baby breastmilk before giving them new foods to try, especially when they’re closer to 6 months than 12 months.
Here’s what you’ll want to avoid:
Avoid putting food in a bottle: This may be tempting because it’s how your baby has processed food all their lives (up to this point). But this can slow the process of weaning your child off their bottle and present choking hazards.
Using large pieces of food: You’ll want to keep these bite size pieces smaller than your baby’s fingertip. This will help avoid choking.
Grapes and hot dogs: Even when cut up (except maybe into quarters), these foods are very easy for babies to choke on. As a result, they should be avoided until your pediatrician gives you the go-ahead.
Avoid a one-and-done approach: Your baby may take some time to figure out what they do or don’t like. So try that broccoli puree at least three times before deciding that your child doesn’t like it.
If you have any questions about what you should do and what you should avoid, be sure to talk to your pediatrician.
Help Your Baby Transition to Solid Foods
Transitioning from breastmilk to solids is a long process–it can take 6 months or more. But you can help your child discover which foods they like, develop healthy eating habits, and more. For parents, this can be a fun process that also (at times) can feel a bit overwhelming.
It’s important to note that you don’t have to go it alone: you can count on your pediatrician for meal planning support. Once your baby starts getting comfortable eating and trying new finds, you might be surprised by how many foods they want to try!
If you have any questions, ask your pediatrician by contacting our Chicago or Northbrook offices!