Baby Weaning - When Is It A Good Time To Introduce Solid Food?

By Author: Amanda Isbitt
Total Articles: 156
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When new parents find that their baby may be getting to that age where solid foods should be introduced, a whole new list of panics start to form. There are so many questions that new parents have about when to give their child solid foods. Also, there is great concern on what they should or should not be starting their baby out on. There is probably a lot of advice coming in from friends and family, especially the grandparents, but how does a person know if they are getting the best advice.

Sure, maybe your parents gave you full hot dogs to chew on when you were a kid but that does not mean that it was safe. Back in the day, many people had their babies sitting on their lap in the front seat of a moving car. That was considered okay back then but that kind of behavior would land you in jail today. This type of example is a good reason why it is important to make sure that you are double-checking the suggestions you are given by your parents and other people. It is much better to be safe rather than sorry.

So what is the appropriate age to introduce your baby to solid foods? Doctors say that you can begin to introduce ...
... your baby to solid foods anytime between four to six months depending on how quickly your baby becomes ready for it. Now on to the next concern. How do you know when your baby is ready for solid food? You first have to make sure that your baby has good head control. If you start to notice your baby doing a little chewing motion with his or her mouth then that is another sign.

You may also notice that your baby has suddenly an increased interest in the foods that you are eating. If you notice him or her trying to reach for your food then it is another sign that your baby is ready to try a little solid food of his or her own. Weight gain is another sign that your baby is ready to move on to the good stuff. It is said that your baby needs to have at least doubled his or her birth weight and be at least four months old.

Now that you are ready to introduce your baby to solid foods, do you start with the rice cereal or the steak? While that may seem like a funny question there are a lot of parents out there who truly have no clue what to start their baby on and this is generally because he or she is their first child. Rice cereal is the general rule of thumb. As your baby gets used to the idea of solid food you can add in things such as mashed potatoes and applesauce. These are foods that will be very easy for the baby to handle without too much of a risk of harm to the child.

Just take it slow and allow your baby to move at his or her own pace. If you find that your child is not ready right at four months of age, do not worry. Babies are different and he or she will eventually be getting their face covered with food before you know it.
Amanda Is A Work From Home Mum of 3, For all of the latest products, news, and case studies please visit Baby Weaning Products