Starting Feeding

Re: start feeding
Asked by Miriam

Question:
What is the best age to start feeding?
My baby will be 5 months and I am considering to start with carrots at lunch time instead of breast feeding. When should the next meal be introduced? One month later? Porridge for supper?

My Advice: At no earlier than 6 months unless recommended by a doctor. There are several reasons for this. Before 6 months their digestive system is not mature enough to handle or need food other than breastmilk or formula. It can actually be harmful. The other reasons are the increased allergies that are caused from introducing solids too early - before their digestive system is developed enough. 6 months is of course a generalisation and some babies may be ready earlier. Personally I wouldn't take the risk. I found Farex or another Rice cereal is the best thing to start with. Don't worry that it tastes bland - babies like it this way (they used to pack it with sugar). Start with whatever meal you would like. I started at dinner time, then introduced breakfast, then lunch. Start with a runny consistency adding milk, water or breastmilk and gradually make it thicker. Be prepared for the odd gag. Another reason not to start baby before 6 months (gag reflex is there until then). They will only need a little to start, let them enjoy the feel of the food and don't get too hung up by how much isn't going down. By 1 your baby should be eating family meals - messily - if anything like my daughter. A quick slap on the small of the neck whilst putting them over your knee usually dislodges any accidental blockages as they are learning to eat the chunkier stuff. It's a scary process but is much less so when you are prepared. Another important bit of advice. Babies can choke soundlessly so ALWAYS be within reaching distance and paying attention when they are eating. Enjoy mealtimes with your baby and never try to make them eat more than they can or less than they need. Babies and little kids know by their body how much they need and don't starve themselves for long. So long as they are getting healthy food you can't go too wrong. Junk fills them up and they miss the nutrients they need. Give your child between 5 to 7 days between introducing new foods, it takes them a while to develop their taste and you can pick food allergies easier. I kmow it's an exciting stage and you can't wait to feed them all sorts of yummy stuff but slow and steady is the best way to go.