Introducing solid foods to your baby for the first time is an exciting milestone. Getting there is the tricky part. Knowing when to begin, which foods to choose and which ones to avoid can cause uncertainty for many parents.
Local experts weigh in on common myths and practical tips to make your first experience feeding your baby actual food a smooth one. But if your baby is at an increased risk for developing food allergies or already has a food allergy, it is best to see a board-certified allergist to help you with a food action plan.
MYTH: Solid foods equal longer stretches of sleep. “It is a myth that solids will help infants sleep through the night, so don’t start earlier for that reason,” says Dr. Danielle Winkler, a board-certified pediatrician at Irvine Pediatrics.
MYTH: Rice cereal should be your baby’s first food. “Rice cereal used to be the gold standard for first foods. It’s filling, easy to digest, bland in flavor, and difficult to choke on. It also has very little nutritional value,” says Erin Piccola, a licensed herbalist, acupuncturist and nutritional expert for Silver Needle Acupuncture in Foothill Ranch.
TIP: You don’t have to introduce foods in any particular order. All babies are going to advance with foods at their own rate, so feeding them fruit first does not mean they will inherit a sweet tooth for life.
MYTH: Avoiding highly allergenic foods decreases the risk of food allergies. “The exact opposite is actually true,” says Warner W. Carr, who is board certified in Allergy and Clinical Immunology and co-owner of Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California. Studies have shown that early introduction of highly allergic foods, such as peanuts, actually lower the likelihood that your child will develop an allergy to that food, Carr says.
TIP: The recommended age for introducing solids to your little one is 4-6 months. Studies have shown that respiratory illnesses and ear infections are less common in babies who are exclusively breast-fed for the first 6 months. “If the baby is breast-fed and there are no pressing reasons to introduce solids earlier, try holding out for the 6-month mark,” Piccola says.
TIP: Let your baby show you she’s ready for solids. “It’s best to wait for babies to show signs they are interested in solids, and when they are developmentally ready,” Winkler says. Sitting well when supported, significant weight gain, chewing motions and curiosity about what you’re eating are common signs that your baby is ready for solids.
Your baby is not ready for solids if the tongue thrust reflex is still visible. Babies are born with a reflex that causes them to thrust their tongue forward when the back of the throat is stimulated. Gagging, chewing on fists, wanting extra feeds and waking up in the middle of the night after previously sleeping through are signs that you should wait.
TIP: “There are many healthy baby food options out there,” Carr says. If you decide to prepare your own baby food, always ensure vegetables and fruits are softened or puréed to avoid potential choking hazards. Stock up on ice cube trays and pour your purées in them and place in the freezer for backup.
TIP: Start very slowly with solids and give small amounts while expanding your child’s diet. It’s best to wait until your baby is tolerating one food before moving onto others.
TIP: Sweet potatoes, squash, peas, carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, avocados, bananas, peaches and papayas are popular first-food options. “I tell my patients after age 6 months, try to feed your baby whatever you’re eating. Just ensure that the food is cut very small or puréed,” Carr says. It’s important to remember not to actually feed your baby a peanut because the nut itself can be a choking hazard. Consider peanut butter, a form of peanut flour or Bamba, a peanut butter-flavored puffed maize.
TIP: Be aware of any signs of intolerance or sensitivity such as a rash, diarrhea or vomiting.
TIP: Avoid honey for the first 6-12 months. It can contain spores of a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, which can germinate in a baby’s immature digestive system and cause infant botulism.
