sensory-fun-food-play-photo

What You Should Know About Sensory Food Play

by with No Comment Baby Led WeaningChild & Family NutritionInfant NutritionToddler Nutrition

Sensory food play is an extremely hands-on activity, which lets children engage with their senses through the exploration of different foods and textures through play. When sensory play is focused on food, it becomes even more stimulating   a b   se food is the ultimate sensory experience.

I know FOOD PLAY is usually not considered a good thing by parents as it is messy, but it is important for them to explore the foods through play.

Sensory food play is not just about playing foods      

WHY?

In a study published in Public Health Nutrition, researchers from Finland describe “sensory-based food education” programs that are common in preschools there. The programs include activities like preparing salads, growing vegetables in a garden or on a windowsill, taking field trips to pick berries, and participating in “sensory sessions” where children touch, listen, taste, and smell different kinds of foods—then share observations with each other.

They found that preschoolers who participated in this food education chose more fruits and vegetables from a buffet compared to those who didn’t receive it. Researchers say this sensory-based education helps children explore food with all five senses and instills a joy of eating. They also note that the findings held true even if there was a high level of pickiness in the group—which shows that “positive peer modeling” can also encourage children to try new foods.

  • Explore: When we let children explore and play with food, it gives them an opportunity to get to know their food and become comfortable with how it will eventually feel in their mouths.
  • Stress-free: Some children are anxious about unfamiliar foods, and Sensory Food Play provides them with some much-needed relaxation when faced with the overwhelming sensory experience of a new food. Smashing, squishing, poking, rolling, pouring, and dumping the food can provide stress relief as well as teach them how that food might feel in their mouth (and they just might try it!).
  • Build Trust: The use of Sensory Food Play can assist the child with touching, smelling and playing with the texture in an environment with little expectation. As the child develops trust and understanding of this texture it helps build positive pathways in the brain to say it is safe to engage with this food.

SENSORY FOOD PLAY RULES:

You can set a time and place for playing with food. You can also set the rules and boundaries for this exploration process. If you are worried about the mess or expense,  make a rule about that.

  • Mess: You can help your children manage their mess with consistent directions and rules. Before you get started, make sure that you have decided where your children are going to be playing. If it is going to be on the floor, put down a splash mat, old shower curtain or blanket. You could also play in the car porch to avoid lots of mess (handy for a rinse over afterwards!). I love to put the infant (6 months+, support with cushion) in highchair and put the messy/food play activity on highchair table. Just remember, the goal is for your children to develop positive feelings and connections with their food, so let them have a little fun with it.
  • Clean up: Have a clean up bin ready, such as baby wipes, apron, sponge, paper towels, cleaning spray.
  • Expense: Most of my sensory food play items I buy in bulk (e.g., rice, pasta, beans, cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, food coloring, toothpicks, etc.), which saves money in the long run. I often buy canned food items (peas, pears, fruit cups, etc.) or use leftovers. Also, I use items I receive for free at fast food restaurants (ketchup packets, straws, and other dipping containers).

Sensory food play is so important and beneficial for babies and younger children.  Not only is it lots of fun, but there is a lot of learning going on when they are playing that you might not realise. I am going to should you some benefits when a child engages in sensory food play.

SENSORY FOOD PLAY SKILLS:

  • Sensory system (learning and developing new tastes, textures and smells)
  • Gross motor skills (body balancing)
  • Fine motor skills (scooping, pincer grasp, writing, dipping)
  • Mealtime skills (pouring, tasting)
  • Language skills (maths, food vocabulary , following directions)
  • Play skills (imaginary play, solitary play)
  • Social skills (turn taking, manners) with other children
  • Problem solving skills (How to..)
  • Brain development (enhancing memory, ability to complete more complex learning tasks)
  • Learning cause and effect (what happen after squishing blueberries)
  • Growing independence through play
  • Creativity and FUN
  • Exploring shapes and colours

Here are some fantastic ideas and activities for sensory food play:

Digging in Beans – Get ready to dig, lift, dump, and pour. Fill a pan with dried beans, noodles, or rice and get little trucks or cars out. My son was crazy about this one.

Yogurt Paint – Paint  with yogurt. Get your little one touch new veggies while making beautiful art.

Shape Matching – Simple, quick and easy.

Learning Letters – use yogurt to make a letter, and trace the letter with berries or pomegranates.

Stacking – make a tower or building.

Rainbow Toast – Painting on food you can eat!

Counting Game – an easy educational game you can create for your little one.

Food Ribbons – use a peeler to turn a fruit or vegetable into ribbons.

I recommend Sensory Food Play at least once a week at home for picky eaters or problem eaters. Playing with food away from table (without pressure to eat or eat it now) offers your child the opportunity to look at, touch, smell and hopefully tasting the foods.

Sensory food play is vital for a child’s development and learning process! After you discover the key benefits of sensory food play for children in my article today, you may want to initiate sensory food play at home.

DON’T KNOW HOW

If you have no idea, you can check out this SENSORY FUN FOOD PLAY GUIDE. This guide takes you step by step through how to set up food play at home and get your children engaged in more than 100 sensory food play activities. Don’t be afraid to be silly and creative!

Happy Playing!

CHECK OUT NOW

Salt:Sodium for Babies and Toddlers

Salt/Sodium for Babies and Toddlers

by with No Comment Baby Led WeaningChild & Family NutritionInfant NutritionToddler Nutrition

As parents, many of us are mindful of how much sugar we give to our little ones, but what about their salt intake, especially if you’re following mixed feeding approach.

HOW MUCH SALT IS TOO MUCH?

Due to limited data for babies, an AI (Adequate Intake) for sodium has been established.

  • For infants 6 months and younger, the AI for sodium is 110 milligrams per day (here).
  • For babies between 7 and 12 months old, the AI increases to 370 milligrams per day (here).

This means that for babies under 12 months, the recommended sodium intake is less than 400 mg per day, which includes sodium from both breastmilk/formula and solid foods. Considering that breastmilk and formula contain around 200 mg of sodium per 24 oz., babies should only be consuming about 200 mg of sodium through solid food daily.

The reason for this recommended intake level is that we assume that babies’ kidneys are still very immature and may not be able to process large amounts of salt properly. While there isn’t enough research to definitively say that 400 mg is the maximum safe level for babies under 1 year old, it’s best to stick to this limit until more data is available. Exceeding this could potentially increase the risk of health issues, so erring on the side of caution is recommended.

 

SALT VS. SODIUM

Salt and sodium are often used interchangeably, and you may see both terms on food labels. However, table salt is actually composed of 40% sodium and 60% chloride.

1 teaspoon of salt = 2300 mg sodium 

1 gram of sodium = 2.5 grams of salt 

Both sodium and chloride are essential electrolytes (along with potassium) and play vital roles in the body. They help transmit nerve signals, enable muscles contractions,  regulate fluids balance, enhance nutrient absorption, maintain acid-base balance, support potassium absorption, and control stomach bacteria levels.

 

SALT IN FOODS

Salt is found in almost all store-bought, processed, or packaged foods. It acts as a preservative and enhances flavor, so food manufactures often add it deliberately. Common foods that contain salt include:

  • Processed meats like deli meats, bacon, hotdogs, ham, and sausages
  • Frozen foods like fish sticks, chicken nuggets, and frozen meals.
  • Potato chips
  • Crackers
  • Canned soups
  • Gravy
  • Broths (vegetables, chicken, beef)
  • Olives, pickles, pickled vegetables (Kimchi)
  • Soy sauce

Other foods that are high in sodium, even though they may not taste very salty, include:

  • Cheese and other dairy products like yogurt and milk
  • Bread, bagels, English muffins, tortillas, and other bread products
  • Canned tomato and pasta sauce
  • Canned vegetables
  • Canned beans
  • Boxed cereal

*Fresh Milk  contains about 100 mg sodium per cup. This is one reason why milk is not recommended as the main drink for babies under one year old. However, a small amount of milk in cereal or baked goods is fine, so there’s no need to eliminate it completely.

 

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

As shown in the picture above, sodium is naturally present in many foods and is often added to processed foods. It’s found in nearly everything we eat. So do you need to completely eliminate salt from your baby’s solid foods?

AT HOME

When cooking meals for your family, you can hold off on adding salt until after you’ve taken out your baby’s portion. For example, when if you’re making a stir-fry, take out a small portion for your baby before adding soy sauce to the rest of the dish.

It’s important not to add salt to anything you prepare from scratch, even if you think it tastes bland. What may seem bland to you could be perfectly flavorful for your baby.  Instead of salt,. try using herbs and spices as to enhance the flavor.

During the first few months of eating, it’s very unlikely that a baby will consume a large amount of sodium, especially if you’re mindful of the foods you provide. Since babies don’t eat that much in the beginning, it’s difficult for them to take in  lot of sodium. Additionally, if your baby is self-feeding, it can take time for them to actually ingest a significant amount of food!

As you baby gets older and starts sharing more family-style meals, you’ll need to be more aware of their sodium intake, as hidden sodium can be found in many foods!

AT RESTAURANT

Restaurant foods tend to be much saltier than what you would make at home, and it’s hard to know exactly how much sodium is in a dish. Even if the nutritional information is available, chefs often add salt as they see fit, regardless of the recipe. Here’s how you can approach dining out with your baby.

Generally, I recommend not stressing too much about it. As long as you aren’t eating at a restaurant daily or multiple times a day, it will balance out. Try ordering dishes that are typically prepared with less salt, and don’t hesitate to ask the waiter’s or chef for suggestions.

If your baby isn’t eating much yet, or if they tend to eat small portions, you should be fine. However, if your baby has a good appetite, consider bringing some low-sodium food for home. Personally, I find that I can usually make do with what’s on the menu, and I want my child to experience a variety of flavors. But if you’re unsure, bringing your own is always a good backup.

The key is to be mindful and balance things over the next few days. For example, if one day your baby eat a a lot of cheese and bread, you can focus on offering low or no sodium foods the next day. If they eat a meal at a restaurant, you might serve fruit and a homemade muffin for their next snack.

Pick your battles and make the best choices you can. If you only eat out once or twice a week, just adjust your baby’s food choices for the rest of the week! Keep it truly balanced while continually striving to plan ahead.

 

BOTTOM LINE

Do your best to serve homemade meals whenever possible. Read labels and be mindful of what you and your baby are eating. This is a healthy habit for the entire family.

What you feed your child today helps shape their taste preferences for the future. 

adding-herbs-and-spices-to-baby-foods-photo

Adding Herbs and Spices to Baby Foods

by with No Comment Baby Led WeaningChild & Family NutritionInfant NutritionPicky EatingToddler Nutrition

Herbs and spices provide our foods with a multitude of flavours, fragrances, and colours. However, many parents worry about adding flavour this way to their babies’ food, believing that spices are hot and not suitable for little ones’ taste buds.

Baby food doesn’t have to be bland!

There is a big difference between hot spices and aromatic ones. Aromatic spices, such as turmeric, garlic, ginger, dill, cumin, nutmeg, garlic, dill, and cinnamon, are perfectly fine to introduce to baby after 6 months.

This guide explains why I recommend parents adding herbs and spices to baby’s food, the benefits of adding them and gives some ideas on how to start introducing them to your baby.

WHY YOU SHOULD INTRODUCE HERBS AND SPICES TO BABIES

If your baby doesn’t have any digestive problems, I always encourage parents who are just starting weaning their babies, either by purees or baby led weaning (around 6 months of age), to experiment with herbs and spices from the beginning. The more you expose your baby to a variety of tastes and flavours, between 6-12 months, the more likely it is that they’ll accept a variety of food later on in life! This means adding herbs and spices right from the beginning helps reduce the chances of pickiness.

In fact, breastfed babies are often introduced to a variety of spices even before starting solids. Breast milk can change its flavour, depending on a mum’s diet. If mum enjoys spicy and flavoursome food, then her baby will be exposed to this through her milk, helping create and develop a taste for flavoured foods. Therefore, by flavouring food with a variety of herbs and spices, you’ll continue the benefits of flavour exposure found in breastmilk.

What about exclusively formula fed babies? We know that babies are made to handle various flavours from the first day of their life, they were capable of experiencing various spices without any issues. So bland food is actually not a requirement for them and it’s natural for them to experience different flavours. If your baby is exclusively formula fed, then they wouldn’t have that exposure, and so beginning with some herbs and spices when they start solids is a great way to get those taste buds primed for new flavours.

As salt and sugar should be limited in baby food, spices and herbs are a great way to flavour food.

BENEFITS OF INTRODUCING HERBS AND SPICES AT AN EARLY AGE 

  • Trains the baby’s taste buds to enjoy variety flavors and will set the foundation for healthy eating habits.
  • Teaches the baby to expect change with food. Offering a plain mashed banana one day and a mashed banana with a dash of cinnamon the next can have a valuable influence on the child’s evolving palate.
  • Fresh herbs are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
  • Herbs and spices are great flavour enhancers without adding unnecessary sugar and salt.
  • Helps babies transition to family food, as your baby will be familiar with those tastes and more likely to accept them.

WHAT ABOUT HOT SPICY FOODS?

Hot spicy foods (cayenne pepper or jalapeño) can hold off for a while. But, it is recommended to use aromatic spice first, such as curry, cumin, oregano, turmeric, cinnamon, mint, basil, allow them to experience those flavours first, before adding small amounts of hot spices. We live in Malaysia, the 3 major cultures that have influenced Malaysian food are Malay, Chinese and Indian. A lot of Malaysian dishes can be classified under the hot and spicy category. So, once you start, use mild spices in small dosages, therefore, you can cook a dish that the whole family can enjoy.

POPULAR FLAVOUR COMBINATIONS 

Here is a list of baby friendly herbs, spices and natural flavor enhancers and the foods that pair well with them:

Vegetables 

  • Asparagus: Parmesan cheese
  • Banana: rolled in unsweetened coconut
  • Broccoli: nutritional yeast
  • Butternut squash: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice or ginger
  • Carrots: basil and garlic; or cinnamon
  • Cauliflower: curry powder
  • Green beans: garlic powder
  • Mashed potatoes: dill or garlic
  • Pumpkin: cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger
  • Sweet potato: cardamom, cinnamon, cajun spice or nutmeg

Fruits 

  • Applesauce: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or ginger
  • Avocado: cilantro or parsley
  • Bananas: cinnamon or allspice
  • Pears: ginger or cinnamon

Grains/Cereals

  • Oatmeal: cinnamon and nutmeg
  • Pasta: basil, oregano, or garlic
  • Rice: cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger
  • Quinoa (sweet): cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon, or ginger
  • Quinoa (savory): garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, basil, or oregano

Dairy

  • Plain yogurt: cinnamon or mint

Meat 

  • Chicken: ginger; rosemary, sage and thyme; lemon zest and pepper; or basil and oregano; paprika
  • Beef: garlic and pepper; or onion powder and pepper
  • Salmon: dill, lime or lemon

TIPS TO ADD SPICES & HERBS TO BABY FOOD

When adding herbs and spices, make sure to start simple and try not to add too much so as to overpower the food. Start out by adding one herb or spice to your baby’s food and then building it up from there by mixing with other flavours.

  • Storage: Store spices in airtight containers away from light and heat. Whole spices will keep for around 1-2 years but after around six months, ground spices will start to lose their aroma and flavour. So buy in small amounts and use often!
  • Pre-mix spice blends: Always read the packaging when using pre-mix spice blends (as they often have added sugar and salt), try making your own blends.
  • Start slowly: Start with plain foods so baby can try the taste of the food on its own.
  • Use small amounts: Once baby has tasted the food plain, you can gradually add spices and herbs you use when cooking for the rest of the family. Use small amounts to start with to allow your baby to get used to different flavours. You don’t want to overpower the food. Start out by adding just a pinch.
  • Prepare fresh leafy herbs properly: Wash fresh herbs and then puree or finely mince before adding to baby food. Large leaves can be a choking hazard
  • Don’t give up: If your baby rejects the flavour of the spices/herbs just remember that it can take up to 10-20 exposures for a new flavour to be accepted.

Let’s give our babies something other than tasteless mush or finger foods to eat!  I’m a firm believer that babies deserve the tasty goodness we feed ourselves. When you implement these tips, you will create a change in taste and expectation for your baby. When babies learn to accept change with food, they become less likely to get stuck in food ruts.

If you’ve added herbs and spices to your baby food, what’s your little one’s favourite combinations?

why-shouldnt-babies-eat-honey-photo

Why Shouldn’t Babies Eat Honey?

by with No Comment Baby Led WeaningChild & Family NutritionInfant Nutrition

The American Academy of Pediatrics (news) and the World Health Organization advises that honey should not be added to food, water, or formula that is fed to infants younger than 12 months of age. This technically, applies to raw and unpasteurized honey, local honey; even applies to all foods and baked goods containing honey.

Honey can contain spores of bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum, which can germinate in a baby’s immature digestive system and release the toxin that causes Infant Botulism – a potentially fatal illness.

Honey should never be given to a child under the age of 12 months old.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF INFANT WITH BOTULISM 

Symptoms typically appear within 12-36 hours after eating contaminated food, but may occur as early as a few hours and as late as 10 days.

  • muscle weakness
  • flat facial expression 
  • decreased movement 
  • lethargy in feeding or weak sucking
  • weak cry
  • constipation 

These are all a result of the muscle paralysis caused by bacterial toxin. If your infant has signs of botulism, it is recommended you visit the emergency room immediately as this is a life-threatening illness.  Be sure to keep samples of the potentially contaminated food for testing.

IS HONEY SAFE FOR TODDLERS, OLDER CHILDREN AND ADULTS? 

These spores are usually harmless to adults and children over age one. In adults, the amount of botulism spores ingested (if any) from honey is really quite negligible because we have mature intestines. The intestines of an adult contain enough acids to counteract the production of toxins the botulism bacteria produce. Once an infant reaches the age of 1 year or older, their immune system is well developed and intestines have a balance of acids that help destroy and fight off any toxins that the botulism bacteria produce. 

WHAT ABOUT FOODS CONTAINING HONEY?

Children under age 1 should not be offered any foods with honey, including yogurt with honey and cereals and crackers with honey, such as honey graham crackers, honey nut cheerios, honey wheat bread. Cooking and baking do not reach temperatures high enough to kill or destroy the botulism spores. 

Honey is unsafe in any form under one.

BOTTOM LINE

Honey contains modest amounts of B vitamins and vitamin C, it can be a nice addition to your baby’s diet, but it’s important to wait until after 12 months of age. Remember, honey, a sweetener, does have a lot of calories, just like other natural sugars. Read labels carefully to see if processed foods contain honey.

Did you know that I provide personalized nutrition consultation service for families? If this is something you’d like to learn more about, check out here. 

can-give-finger-foods-baby-doesnt-teeth-yet-photo

Can I Give Finger Foods If My Baby Doesn’t Have Teeth Yet?

by with No Comment Baby Led WeaningChild & Family NutritionInfant Nutrition

According to the new infant feeding guidelines, it is now recommended that babies be introduced to a variety of textures within the first few months of starting solids. Spoon-feeding purees is no longer the one and only way. In fact, you can jump right in with soft finger foods (Baby Led Weaning) if you feel comfortable with it.

As a dietitian, I’m often asked this question:

My baby doesn’t have any teeth yet? Can I give him finger foods?

ANSWER: YES !!!

BABIES CHEW WITH THEIR GUMS

Babies can enjoy soft finger foods before they have teeth. They can mash foods into smaller pieces using their gums.

Finger foods are small pieces of food that your baby can pick up and eat easily. Introducing finger foods early, soon after starting solids, helps your baby get used to different food textures, improve coordination and encourages self-feeding. These are important feeding skills. Most babies are ready for finger foods by 6-7 months, some babies start right at 6 months (BLW). Many won’t have teeth (or very many teeth) by this age.

You baby is likely ready for finger foods when you see the following:

  • He can sit upright with minimal support.
  • He is very interested in watching people eat and the food on your plate.
  • He can eat thicker purees (the consistency of mashed potatoes).
  • He can bring food to his mouth using his hand.

SAFE FINGER FOOD IDEAS FOR BABIES 

Choose soft foods that baby can grasp easily with fingers or hands. Offer your baby different kinds of finger foods from all 4 food groups.

Vegetables (soft cooked) and Fruits

  • Soft cooked vegetable (grating, cut into bite-sized pieces or strips): Carrot, broccoli, green beans, yam, sweet potato, potato, cauliflower, zucchini, squash
  • Soft, ripe, peeled fruit (grating, cut into bite-size pieces or strips): apple, pears, ripe slices of kiwi, mango, papaya, melon, cantaloupe, banana, fresh or canned unseated peaches, ripe avocado, oranges, thawed frozen fruit and berries
  • Seedless grapes don’t have to peel but should cut into four bite-size pieces

Grain Products 

  • Whole wheat toast, bagels or buns (cut into strips)
  • Pieces of roti or tortilla
  • Unsweetened oat ring cereal like Cheerios
  • Cooked pasta
  • Rice balls

Milk Products 

  • Grated or small cubes of pasteurized cheese

Meat & Meat Alternatives (soft and well cooked)

  • Ground meat or poultry
  • Small (pea sized) pieces of tender meat or poultry
  • Fish (de-bonded and flaked)
  • Quartered meatballs
  • Well cooked eggs (cut in to pieces)
  • Small cooked beans (black beans and navy beans)
  • Larger cooked beans (kidney beans – cut in half)
  • Tofu
  • Smooth nut or seed butter (spread thinly on a cracker or bread to make it easier to swallow)

Mealtimes will be messy and slow at first. This is part of learning how to eat.

FOODS TO AVOID 

Hard and sticky foods can cause choking and should be avoided.

  • Whole nuts or seeds
  • Raisins
  • Popcorn
  • Gum
  • Hard candies or jellybeans

No HONEY during baby’s first year. Honey may cause botulism, a type of food poisoning, that could make your baby sick.

BOTTOM LINE

It is amazing to watch what little ones can handle with their gum. So go ahead and offer finger food versions of a wide variety of food that your family eats. I enjoy watching my boy, Aiden, discovers the amazing variety of tastes and textures that food comes in.

Are you still waiting for your baby to get a tooth?  For more help with baby led weaning and how to help you baby succeed with eating, be sure to check out my 3 months TRANSFORM program. 

How to Start Solid Foods

How to Start Solid Foods

by with No Comment Baby Led WeaningChild & Family NutritionInfant NutritionToddler Nutrition

Last blog we discussed When to Introduce Your Baby Solid Foods. It is important to wait until healthy babies are at least 6 months old before starting solid foods to maximize exclusive breastfeeding and ensure their digestive systems are mature enough to handle solid foods.

 

START FROM HOW 

Today, let’s talk about HOW to introduce solids. Get your camera ready, you’ll want to capture those funny faces your baby makes. Here are some tips to help make the transition to solids easier:

1. Choose a Good Mood

Introduce new foods when your baby is alert, relaxed and happy. Offering food after breastfeeding (waiting 60-90 minutes) or after a nap can increase the chance that your baby will try a new food.

2. Introduce 1 New Food a Day

Offering  a variety of foods can set your baby up to be a more adventurous eater. The ONLY exception is highly allergenic foods. You can start introducing them around 6 months, but wait 1-2 days before adding another allergenic food to monitor for potential allergies.

3. Start with Small Amounts

Offer just 1-3 tsp (5-15 mL) of food. If baby shows signs of hunger, you can offer more.

4. Follow Baby’s Cues

Sit your baby in a high chair at approximately eye level. Hold the spoon a few inches in front of their mouth and wait for them to open up. Feed as slowly or quickly as they prefer and stop when they show signs of fullness. If you’re following  Baby-Led Weaning approach, let your baby take the lead in eating.  NEVER FORCE YOUR BABY TO EAT, AND REMEMBER NOT TO COMPARE YOUR BABY TO OTHERS.

5. Start with Once a Day

Begin by offering solid foods once daily. Soon, baby will be ready to eat more often. Gradually increase to 2 times per day, then to 3 times.

6. Offer New Flavours

Some babies are cautious eaters and need time to trust that a new food is safe. It can take multiple attempts (approximately 15 times) before they’re willing to eat a particular food.

7. Let Your Baby Explore

Expect a bit of a mess. Messy hands and faces help babies get used to new foods. So let them have fun with it.

8. Be Aware of Changing Appetite 

Baby’s appetite will vary daily. From 6-12 months, they will gradually drink less breast milk and eat more solids.

Be mindful of your baby’s hunger and fullness cues. Avoid forcing or over-feeding.

HUNGER SIGNS 

  • Smiles, gazes or coos at the parent during mealtimes to show they wants to continue
  • Leans toward the spoon or food and opens their mouth
  • Reaches for or points to food
  • Shows excitement when food is offered
  • Focuses on and follows food with their eyes
  • Sucks or smacks lips
  • Uses words, sounds, or hand signs to indicate hunger or wanting more (older babies)

FULLNESS SIGNS 

  • Slows pace of eating
  • Get distracted easily or shows uninterested in food
  • Moves head away from spoon or closes mouth
  • Bats at spoon or pushes it away
  • Pushes food away or throws it on the floor
  • Plays with food or fidgets
  • Closes or purses lips when offered food
  • Spit food out
  • Tries to leave the highchair
  • Uses words or signs to signal “all done” (older babies)

FEEDING ESSENTIAL TOOLS 

With so many baby-feeding products available, it can feel overwhelming to decide what you truly need to start solids. Here are the TOP 6 essential tools to help you get started:

1. High Chair or Booster Seat

  • I believe an actual high chair is a must-have. It’s helpful to have a dedicated seat for your baby, and the large high chair tray makes a great food-catcher. The IKEA Antilop high chair with tray is totally affordable.

0339304_PE527619_S5

  • A booster seat can easily strap onto your own chairs. This seat is foldable for easy storage. I’ve taken it along for visits to the grandparents and to restaurants – it’s super handy.

pTRUCA1-12732984dt

2. Bibs

  • You can certainly use the  drooler/cloth bibs. However keep in mind they’ll need to be washed after each use.

IMG_0216

  • I recommend getting a set of larger, waterproof, easy-to-clean feeding bibs. I prefer ones with big front pocket to catch any dropped food.

IMG_1491

  • If your baby is an active explorer, your may prefer the Kushies Long Sleeved Waterproof Bib. It allows your little one to fully enjoy mealtimes without the worry of ruining their clothes.

IMG_0900

3. Spoons

  • Make sure that any spoons you use are BPA-free. BPA is a harmful chemical found in some plastics that can leach into food when heated.
  • Munchkin 6-Pack Soft Tip Infant Spoon: These small, plastic-coated options are much gentle on tender gums. It’s helpful to have several on hand during feedings, one for you and one for baby, to encourage their sense of independence and avoid power struggles.

d31e24_de724fd8d5464c4b8bd0fa0e18cbbfd0

  • Once your baby is ready to try self-feeding, consider getting the OXO tot Fork & Spoon Set. This set makes it easy for young eaters to transition their food from bowl to mouth.

6104300T1

4. Dishes

  • When you first introduce solids, you will need a handful of small, BPA-free plastic bowls.

61aH+gliv-L._SX466_

  • Calibowl. This deep bowl makes it easier for your baby to scoop up their food, while the super suction cup on the bottom prevents it from being tossed to the floor. It also includes fitted lids, making food storage a breeze.

15047230IMG_2870

  • Once your baby is ready to try self-feeding, consider picking up a divided plate like the OXO tot Divided Plate. I like the removable, raised outer ring. which helps keep food on the plate and guides it into utensils.

6113700T1

5. Straw Cup or Open Cup with/without handles

  • My son wasn’t a big fan of bottle, so I was very anxious to introduce a straw cup around 6 months. He would often bite on the straw, but he would sip from it occasionally. Using a straw cup does not present the same concerns as a sippy cup. In fact, It can help with oral motor skills development and reduce the risk of dental caries since the liquid doesn’t bathe the baby’s teeth. Here are three straw cups that I recommend:
    • Playtex Sipsters Stage 1 Straw Cuptrainingtime_out_of_pack_green_blue_straw_290x334
    • Munchkin Click Lock Weighted Flexi Straw Trainer Cup71MMm8ir4EL._SY355_
    • Playtex Sipsters Stage 3 Insulated Spill Proof Straw Cup
      00078300058571_cf_dinosaurs__gs1_jpeg
  • Offer water in an OPEN CUP as soon as your baby starts eating solids. Babies learn quickly how to drink from an open cup.

IMG_4928

6. Snack Catcher

  • No more spilled snacks on the floor. This is the perfect solution for on-the-go situations, whether it’s a doctor’s appointment, shopping trip, grocery run, or evening walk.

IMG_5030

A HEALTHY FEEDING RELATIONSHIP 

Babies learn by observing those around them. When families eat together, it teaches babies that mealtime is a time to connect, share, and enjoy food.

  • As a PARENT;, your role is to choose WHAT foods to offer. As baby start to eat solid foods, your are responsible for WHEN and WHERE baby is fed.
  • It is your BABY’S job to determine HOW MUCH they want to eat.

Trust your baby to recognize their hunger and fullness cues. This fosters mindful eating. 

Introducing solids to your baby can be lot of fun. Be PATIENT and remember that it might take time for your baby to warm up to new foods; this is completely normal. If your baby enjoys every food from the first bite! Congratulations! you have a wonderful little eater.

Bon Appétit babies!

Happy Shopping Mommies!!

When to Start Solids

When to Start Solid Foods

by with No Comment Baby Led WeaningChild & Family NutritionInfant NutritionToddler Nutrition

Lately, I’ve come across many questions from parents wondering about the right age to start introducing solid foods. Some experts and older guidelines suggest introducing solids between 4 and 6 months, while certain parenting websites say 4 months. Sometimes, this advice even comes from a doctor or other health professionals. Many of us, especially those raised in the 80’s, may have started eating solid foods as early as 2 to 4 months because our parents followed older recommendations. As a first time mom, I totally understand the eagerness to start solids – especially with friends and family sharing plenty of “advices” and “opinions”.  It’s easy to start thinking, “maybe 4 months is the right time!” With so many conflicting recommendations, it’s no wonder today’s parents are feeling confused.

 

WHY DO BABIES NEED SOLIDS?

Introducing solid foods to babies isn’t just about adding variety; it’s essential for both nutritional and developmental reasons. Breast milk or formula will still be a main source of nutrition during the first year, but starting solids around 6 months helps meet growing needs that milk alone can’t fulfill.

1. Nutritional Reasons

  • Iron Needs: By 7 months, babies’ natural iron stores begin to deplete, and they need iron-rich foods to support healthy growth and brain development.
  • Critical Nutrients: Beyond iron, there’s an increased need for other key nutrients like protein, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and additional energy to fuel their development and growing curiosity.

2. Developmental Reasons

  • Biting and Chewing: Starting solids helps babies practice essential skills, like biting and chewing, which play a big role in speech and jaw development.
  • Oral and Motor Skills: Eating solids encourages the development of muscles around the mouth and fine motor skills as babies learn to pick up food, bring it to their mouths, and chew.

 

ARE YOU STARTING EARLY?

Here are some common reasons parents introduce solids before the 6-month mark:

  • My baby is too big
  • My baby is too small and tiny
  • My baby seems hungry (increased breastfeeding demand)
  • My baby wakes up multiple times a night
  • My doctor recommended starting solids
  • My baby wanted the food I was eating
  • I wanted to offer something (iron rich foods) alongside breast milk or formula

For those common reasons parents consider introducing solids early, it’s important to remember that breast milk (or formula) provides more calories and far more essential nutrients than any solid food can at this stage. Breast milk is designed to meet a baby’s needs perfectly, offering a balance of calories, fats, proteins, and vitamins that’s challenging to match with solids. Even if your baby is showing increased hunger, breast milk or formula is usually enough to satisfy them until they reach around 6 months.

In light of all this, it’s completely understandable why so many parents are questioning when to begin solids. Next, I’ll dive into why waiting until around 6 months is often best for your baby’s development and health.

 

TOO EARLY? or TOO LATE? 

Starting solids too early—before 4 months (17 weeks)—can pose several health risks. Research shows that introducing solids TOO EARLY can increase the chances of:

  • Infections and Digestive Issues: Babies’ digestive systems are still maturing, and introducing solids too soon may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and infections.
  • Food Allergies: Introducing certain foods too early can increase the risk of developing food allergies later on.
  • Obesity: Early solid feeding can influence long-term eating behaviors, potentially contributing to a higher risk of childhood obesity.
  • Kidney Strain: Babies’ kidneys aren’t fully developed in the first few months, and early solids can strain these organs, leading to imbalances in minerals they’re not yet ready to process.
  • Reduced Breast Milk Intake: Solids may replace breast milk in the baby’s diet, potentially reducing milk supply and lowering access to the essential nutrients and antibodies breast milk provides.
  • Choking Risk: Babies’ swallowing and chewing reflexes are not fully developed before 4 to 6 months, increasing the risk of choking on solid foods.

Waiting too long to introduce solids—beyond 7 months—can present its own set of challenges. By this age, babies start needing additional nutrients that breast milk or formula alone may not fully supply. Research shows that delaying solids past 7 months can increase the risk of:

  • Iron Deficiency: Babies’ iron stores begin to deplete around this time, and solids provide essential dietary iron that helps prevent deficiency.
  • Food Allergies: Both early and delayed introduction to certain foods are associated with a higher risk of developing allergies.
  • Texture Sensitivity and Food Fussiness: Delayed exposure may make it more challenging for babies to accept new textures and flavors, potentially leading to picky eating.
  • Difficulty with Essential Nutrients: Waiting too long can mean babies miss out on critical nutrients like iron and zinc, which support growth, brain development, and immune function.

 

WHAT IS CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS 

Top health organizations recommend introducing solids around 6 months when babies show signs of readiness.

These guidelines advocate for exclusive breastfeeding until around 6 months to ensure the digestive system is mature enough to handle solid and to protect against gastrointestinal and respiratory infections (APP 2012, Nylor & Morrow, 2001).

Exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding for the first 6 months provides all the essential nutrients a baby needs, with breast milk or formula remaining their primary nutrition source until they reach this milestone.

 

DEVELOPMENT SIGNS FOR READINESS

Watch for SIGNS that your baby is getting ready to start solids:

DSC_2602 2

IMG_0707

 

IMG_0133

  1. Around 6 months of age
  2. Sitting with minimal support (with pillow or towel)
  3. Good head and neck control, able to hold head upright and steady
  4. Bringing hands and toys to their mouth
  5. Appears interested in food, possibly by reaching for or leaning forward towards food
  6. Your baby can swallow food (look for loss of the tongue thrust reflex)

GESTATIONAL AGE 

It’s important to consider your baby’s gestational age when deciding when to introduce solids. Premature babies may not be neurologically or physically ready for solids until approximately 6 months after their original due date, rather than their birth date. For instance, my elder son, born 2 weeks early, began solids about two weeks after turning 6 months. Similarly, Audrey and Avery, born 4 weeks early, started solids around 6.5 months. Adjusting based on gestational age allows babies to begin solids when their developmental milestones and readiness are more in line with their age-adjusted peers.

What you can do If your baby is showing obvious signs of being ready for solids about 4-6 months?

It’s common for babies around 4 to 5 month to show interest in mealtimes such as reaching for food. However, this curiosity doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready for solids. In fact, it is part of their normal development to explore by putting objects in their mouths. Here are some ways to involve your baby in mealtimes without introducing solids:

  1. Include Them at the Table: Let your baby join family meals in a booster seat or high chair. This gets them used to mealtime routines and sitting in their designated seat, preparing them for when it’s time to start solids.
  2. Provide Safe Utensils: Give your baby spoons, cups, or bowls to play with during mealtimes. This helps them get familiar with eating utensils in a fun and exploratory way.
  3. Introduce Open Cups: Offering small amounts of water or expressed breast milk (1-3 oz) in an open cup starting at 6 months is considered beneficial. This lets your baby practice drinking skills while engaging at the table without starting on solid foods.

BOTTOM LINE

Most babies are developmentally and physiologically ready to start eating solid foods between 6 and 8 months of age. It’s important to look for signs of readiness rather than strictly following a calendar. Remember, the decision to start solids shouldn’t come from pressure from parents or in-laws but should be based on your baby’s cues.

Baby, Bon Appétit !! 

My children love making a mess during mealtime, and that’s perfectly normal! It’s all part of the learning process as he explores new textures and flavors.

IMG_0662
Aiden
Avery and Audrey

As you embark on this exciting journey of introducing solid foods to your little one, remember that patience and observation are key. Every baby is unique, so trust their cues and enjoy the experience of discovering new flavors and textures together.

For more tips, resources, and support on feeding your baby and fostering healthy eating habits, be sure to check out my Instagram. Happy feeding!