When Can My Baby Start Eating Solid Foods?

One of the most anticipated baby milestones for parents is the introduction of solid foods. As excited parents are for the upgrade, they are equally confused about when is the good time to introduce solids to the baby. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the ideal time to start weaning is around 6 months of age. This is not a hard and fast rule as often babies start on solids according to their own schedule. There are some signs that indicate your baby is ready for solids. Let’s have a look: 


1- Good Head Control: 

One of the primary and foremost milestones that gives a go-ahead for the introduction of solid foods to babies is good head control. Your baby is said to have good head control when they can sit upright and hold their head in place. He/she should be able to sit on a high chair or an infant seat while having control on their head and neck. This control develops around 4 to 6 months. 

 

2- Tempted towards Food: 

Another telltale sign is when your baby is tempted towards the food - any food! You may notice your baby looking at you while you are eating. He/she tries to grab your food and often shows eagerness at the sight of the food. If you bring food towards the babies and they open up their mouths, this is a sure sign that they are now prepared more than ever to experience different food tastes. Moreover, they will show signs of hunger even after having milk that they usually take at this stage. 


3- Loss of Tongue Throat Reflex: 

Babies are naturally born with a tongue throat reflex which is no less than a miracle in itself. When a different textured food or drink is offered to them, they push out the food naturally and refuse to accept it. But they gradually lose this instinct and that’s when they are ready for food. Oftentimes upon introduction to a new food babies push out even after the loss of throat reflex, This happens because babies aren’t trained yet to accept anything other than milk. So, they take their time to get accustomed to the new food texture. 

 

4- Baby’s Weight: 

Many may not know this but a baby’s weight also plays a role in the weaning process. When the baby weighs double their birth weight, it is a clear sign that they are ready for weight. Usually, the double weight occurs around 4 months of age and is recorded around 13 pounds or sometimes more. 


KEY TAKEAWAY: 

You must know that every baby is different and what goes for one baby might not go with the other. You should not rush babies to achieve this milestone and let them take their time.

If you are on this stage with your baby remember that we partnered with Twistshake Canada, where you can find all the best feeding products for your baby.

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