Hello everyone, today am posting this article for all mums on how to start solid for their lil angel, most especially first-time mum. As a first-time mum I know you will have so many questions on how to start solids for your baby, this article will give you 95 percent answers to your questions. Meanwhile, you can get baby food recipes HERE

All the nutrients and energy your baby needs from the first month to four/six month is from the breast or milk formula. After that, solid foods can be introduced in order to fulfill his growing needs with his usual milk feed.

HOW TO KNOW YOUR BABY IS READY FOR SOLID

It is essential that your baby can hold his head in an upright position in order to be able to eat his first food using a spoon.

Make sure your baby is able to sit up properly with help. When he sits on the high chair he sits properly with or without support.

Your baby should be able to chew the food in his mouth and swallow it.

If you notice the baby feel hungrier than before.

When the baby starts to show interest in the food you are eating, such as he opens his mouth when a food is direct to his mouth.

WEANING WARNING

Do not start solid early. Your baby does not need anything order than breast milk at zero to four/six month old, at this age their digestive system is not fully developed therefore their body cannot digest or absorb food.

Do not delay introducing solid food if you feel your baby is ready, delaying will deprive the baby of many nutrients that he needs at this age.

Baby consume very little quantity at the beginning. Do not force him to eat a certain kind of food, rather offer him a different type of food and try to offer the food he rejected after a while.

Choose a time that is convenient for you and your baby.

Do not add cow milk to your baby’s food because cow milk contains high amounts of protein which can increase pressure on the baby’s kidney at this stage. It also contains a large number of fats which would place a burden on the baby digestive system.

Try to offer each new food for five or six days before trying to introduce another kind of food, so that the baby will get used to each kind. This will help detect if the Baby is allergic to a certain food, if you notice any reactions in your baby, stop giving him the food and offer him something else. Signs of allergy include:

Rash

Shortness of breath

Itchy skin

Chest pain

Stomach pain

Diarrhea

Study your baby’s reaction to foods if you notice any reactions stop the food and if severe consult your doctor.

PAY ATTENTION TO THIS THINGS

It is better for the baby to eat natural sugars that are found in fruits, dates, and raisings and to avoid artificial sugar.

Wash your hands thoroughly and wash the utensils before using it for baby food.

Dispose of leftover kept in the fridge for more than one day.

Make sure you use fresh foods and try to avoid store bought foods.

Offer only one type of food in the first five days, until you are sure your baby is not allergic to the food.

Do not give before using it for baby food.

Make sure you use fresh foods and try to avoid store-bought foods.

Offer only one type of food in the first five days, until you are sure your baby is not allergic to the food.

Do not give your baby a large amount of food, offer the food gradually until he is comfortable with a certain amount.

FOOD TO AVOID AT FIRST STAGE OF WEANING(FOUR/TWELVE AGE)

1. Cow milk
2. Sugar
3. Salt
4. Citrus fruit
5. Egg white (yolk from six months)
6. Fried or fatty food
7. Strawberry

SUITABLE FORM SIX MONTH

1. Onion and garlic
2. Spices
3. Legumes include beans, lentils, and peanut
4. Dates
5. Dry fruits include fig, raisings, and apricot

WEANING TOOLS

1. Plate and spoon (plastic or silicon)
2. Bib
3. Blender
4. Freezer container or bag
5. Apron
6. Saucepan