I'm so confused about starting solids. Need guidance.

[Buena]

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[TooBusyBearcubs]

Originally Posted by EmilytheStrange Ideally, breastmilk should remain the staple food until 1yr. Follow your kiddo's lead. Before 1, solids are 'just for fun'.

[anj]

Originally Posted by Connor I wouldn't give cereal as it really has no nutritional value. I would wait for signs of readiness such as: teeth, pincher grasp, and being able to sit up from a laying position. These things usually happen around 9 months. And, your baby doesn't really need anything other than your milk until after a year old

Hmmm... I don't think teeth are really signs of readiness for solids. Some kids don't get them until after a year, but most babies can use those gums quite effectively. (Anyone who has ever had their finger chewed on by a toothless baby can attest to this.)

I wouldn't personally start with rice cereal, but oatmeal is a nutritious and non-constipating option. Baby cereals do have the advantage of being iron-fortified. While solids are mainly "for fun" until age one, some babies do need iron starting about 6 months. Of course, they can get it from other foods. Cereals are not necessary.

To the OP, I suggest breastfeeding first, then offering solids. A hungry baby probably won't be content eating solids first. She'll want to nurse and then "play" with food. You can start with one meal of solids a day and work up from there. You don't want solids to take the place of breastmilk at this point, you just want baby to start experiencing tastes and textures. Most of the time you can just follow baby's lead when it comes to food. Don't overthink it.

[KayandEllMom]

My babe is 5.5 months and eats just a little bit of fruit or veggie after she BF's at lunch time. Nothing substantial is this too early. Dr said he would like to see her take a little more calories in as she has always been on the smaller side.

[iloveoregon]

Child of Mine by Ellyn Satter is a great book. At this point, solids are more just for learning about textures and tastes, not so much for nutritional value (though they should always be healthy wholesome foods!) It's a great idea to just mash up whatever the family is eating, you really don't need any jarred foods at all!

[Levi_Elizabeth]

Thanks for all the tips from everyone! I agree! DS2 is 6 months tomorrow and I just started solids, pears, and I made squash to use later this week. I love wholesomebabyfoods.com! I used that a ton with DS1 and I agree solids are entirely for fun until 1 year. I specifically waited until 6 months to start this time so my milk supply is established and now I am in no rush. We are just enjoying DS2 and taking things slow.

[EmilytheStrange]

Originally Posted by Connor I wouldn't give cereal as it really has no nutritional value. I would wait for signs of readiness such as: teeth, pincher grasp, and being able to sit up from a laying position. These things usually happen around 9 months. And, your baby doesn't really need anything other than your milk until after a year old

solids are a great way to practice that pincer grasp! So, don't worry if they don't have that down yet. Tons of kids don't get a really good grasp on the grasp (hehe) until 11 months.

I have always heard the signs of readiness are: leaning forward toward spoon, tongue reflex doesn't just push the food back out, sitting relatively unassisted and watching you intently while you eat.