Description

Introducing Solid Foods from 6 Months

The trend internationally is to introduce solids at six months. Studies have shown that there is a definite link between allergies and the introduction of solids too early. Premature introduction of solids may also overload your baby’s kidneys and digestive tract.

Babies who are at least 4 months of age, weigh 6 – 7 kgs in weight and who exhibit excessively hungry behaviour, i.e. formula fed babies drinking more than 1 litre per day or breastfed babies feeding two hourly, day and night, may start solids before 6 months.

If starting solids prior to 6 months, remember solids are always to be given AFTER a milk feed, wait half an hour and then give solids. Milk is the most important dietary requirement in a baby’s diet until 6 months.

In extremely rare cases, certain babies may need to start solids before 6 months due to slow growth or severe reflux, but this should only be done on the recommendation of your medical practitioner.

How to get started on solids:
The recommended time to introduce solids is at 6 months unless otherwise advised by your medical practitioner
Start with rice cereal, mix 2-3 teaspoons with breast milk or formula milk
Best time to start cereal is at breakfast
After 1 week introduce cereal at dinner time
1 – 2 weeks later introduce vegetables
Introduce 1 new vegetable every 3 days