Is Baby Ready for Solids?

As a dietitian who helps people with food choices and meal planning all the time, I was still nervous to start solids with my daughter. I was afraid to make a wrong decision and have that wrong decision affect her well-being. 

During the first week of baby-led weaning I was anxious every time we fed her and was sitting on the edge of my seat. 

I was afraid that she might choke. 

I was afraid that she might have a bad experience and then not like foods altogether. 

I was worried about doing it wrong, even though I had all the tools I needed, and a strong, educated background in the subject matter! 

Been there? Maybe you’re there now and afraid to start!

While BLW can seem daunting and scary, it doesn’t have to be. Proper preparation of the food is absolutely important when starting BLW. What is equally important is looking for all signs of readiness that baby is ready to start solids! 

Here’s what to look for:

 ·      Baby is 6 months of age or older. 

·      Baby sits up well, unsupported. In other words, baby doesn’t need pillows to prop him up in order to sit, and doesn’t topple over easily. A strong trunk helps with proper chewing, swallowing, etc. and helps to reduce the risk of choking. 

·      Baby has an interest in the foods you are eating. Babies will often lunge toward your food when they are interested. 

·      The “tongue-thrust” reflex is gone –When you put something in baby’s mouth like a spoon, do they immediately push it back out with their tongue? Or does their tongue push it toward the back of their mouth so they are able to swallow it? The thrust forward reflex changes around or before 6 months of age, allowing them to swallow foods.

I work with moms to help them navigate the entire baby-led weaning process. Knowing when to start is probably one of the most important parts!! 

If you need more help with this click here to schedule a free discovery session with me and we’ll chat about what you need most. 

Hilary