Introduction
Starting first foods is an exciting milestone for you and your baby. Not only is it a time filled with fun new tastes and textures, but it's also a significant step in your baby's development. As they explore the wonders of solid foods, they build their teeth, tongue, and jaw in preparation for speaking later.
In this article, we answer the most common questions related to first foods and guide you on beginning and navigating the journey ahead.
Is My Baby Ready for First Foods?
While most paediatricians recommend starting first foods after 4 – 5 months, it depends on your little one.[1]
Every baby develops at a different pace – some just might not be interested in eating at 5 months, while others dive right in. So, instead of looking at the calendar, watch your baby and look out for food readiness signs such as:
- Can sit upright when supported.
Sitting unassisted is a strong indication that your baby’s gastrointestinal system is mature enough to manage foods other than milk.
- Has developed pincer grip and can bring their hand to their mouth
This is especially important for those following a baby-led-weaning (BLW) approach and greatly influences which first foods you will provide.
- Has their tongue thrust reflex reduced significantly? This is a brilliant indicator they are physically ready
Tongue thrusting is an involuntary reflex that helps babies latch on to the nipple and protects them from choking while feeding. This reflex reduces as the time for introducing solids approaches.
- Is curious about what you are eating and the food around them
This is not the strongest indicator that your baby is ready for food as it may just be your baby’s generally inquisitiveness. Therefore, consider all the signs combined to determine your baby's readiness for their first foods.
Healthcare professionals agree that first foods should not start before 4 months and are ready after 5 - 6 months. However, if you’re unsure, consult your baby’s paediatrician, who can best assess your baby’s readiness. Please note, Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines recommends introducing solids at around 6 months.[2]
How to Introduce First Foods?
When your baby is ready, you can start adding first foods as a “bonus” to their diet so they begin to learn to chew and swallow food. Your baby will still get most of the nutrients and calories they need from breast milk or infant formula. If you are breastfeeding, please consider the Mummy Smoothie for Breastfeeding.
As a result, continue your normal feeding schedule, fitting a first food meal either right before or after a feeding. There will be some trial and error here to figure out the best mealtimes, and your baby’s temperament will play a big part in determining the best time. Most mothers find it easier to introduce meals when their baby is alert and relaxed.
As for which to give first, milk or meal, again, it depends on your baby. For example, if your baby is a big drinker, start with a meal then milk. If they are moderate drinker, try milk first, then meal. These changes may impact your breastmilk supply and are often part of the first stages of weaning.
How Much Food to Give a Baby?
Start with about 1 – 2 tsp of first food daily, just enough for your baby to get a taste. Your baby probably won’t swallow much initially, but as their appetite grows and they learn to swallow, you can gradually increase the amount.[3]
Typically, by 12 months, a baby eats ½ a cup of food 3 – 4 times a day with breastmilk or formula.[4] But again, this is not the rule! It all depends on your baby’s cues and appetite, so let them lead the way!
First Food Texture
In the beginning, first foods should be finely mashed or smooth, with a few lumps, so your baby can “chew” even if they don’t have teeth. Then, over the next few weeks and months, you can move to roughly mashed, minced, and chopped.
Regardless of the texture, the food must be soft so they can swallow food easily. How soft? You should be able to mash a piece between your forefinger and thumb with just a little pressure.
First Food Ideas
Paediatricians advise starting with iron-rich foods because a baby’s iron level steadily decreases after birth. In fact, by 9 months, it is at an all-time low.[5]
To maintain a healthy level, start with foods such as:
- Iron-fortified infant cereal
- Minced meat, poultry, and fish
- Cooked tofu and legumes
- Mashed, fully cooked egg
Along with these, you can also introduce other healthy foods to explore flavours. Research has shown that a good variety can decrease the likelihood of fussy eating down the road – a thrilling prospect.
Nutritious choices include:
- Fully cooked and mashed vegetables such as sweet potato, pumpkin, potato, carrot, peas, broccoli or spinach
- Mashed fruit such as banana, strawberry, apple, peach, pear, melon, or avocado
- Cooked and mashed grains such as oats, bread, noodles, naan, rice, and pasta
- Full-fat yogurt and full-fat cheese
Additionally, you can also introduce a little water in an open cup at around 6 months. This isn’t so much for hydration, as they get water from breastmilk or formula. It is more to help develop the taste and fine motor skills.
Foods to Avoid
While it is important to offer a range of food, certain items aren’t safe for babies to eat before they turn one, including:
- Honey as it can cause a rare but serious illness known as botulism if given too early [6]
- Cow's milk as a drink [7]
- Choking hazards such as nuts, seeds, raisins, chunky peanut butter, hard candy, grapes, hard raw vegetables, and popcorn.
Embrace the First Food Journey!
The first food journey is filled with ups and downs, and as exciting as it is, it can be equally challenging. There will be days that feel more challenging than others, from preparing the food to cleaning up the mess. But with time and patience, you and your baby will get the hang of it, and soon enough, you'll be enjoying all your favourite foods together.
For children whose normal dietary intake may not be sufficient to achieve nutritional goals, Optivance provides specialized nutrition options that are packed full of goodness and carefully designed for fussy eaters ages 1 to 3. For more information, visit our toddler smoothie page today.
Check out some of our delicious smoothie recipes, designed to incorporate all the necessary nutrients and vitamins you need in your motherhood journey:
About the Author
Kristy Petersen is a passionate nutritionist specialising in gut health and children’s nutrition. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping families achieve optimal health through balanced dietary practices.
Learn more about Kristy here
