Babies and solids

Too many parents worry too much about the right and wrong foods to feed a baby. We know they have milk only to start with, then we start them on solids. When my kids were born, 'experts' would say start solids at around 4 months. Now parents get told 6 months. Personally, I think 6 months is too long for babies to wait for solids. I mean, by that age they are very aware of what's going on and they see you eating and want some. There's been too much concern over babies becoming over weight if fed too early. My kids all started at 4 months on solids and never had a weight problem! I know a woman who feeds her 8 month old full-sized mars bars & paddle pops - that child has a weight problem! So it's what you feed them, not the age they start. Though, of course, before 4 months can be too early, depending on the child. I do know of babies who started before then and were fine.

Always remember that there is no such thing as a text-book baby. Books are a great guide, but all babies are different. If it's too confusing as to when to start, think of it this way: old school says 4 months to start solids, new school says 6 months, so go between and start at 5 months.

When baby starts on solids, the food is runny as the baby's throat has to get used to something slightly thicker going down. That's why, as baby gets older, the baby food you buy gets thicker. Once baby is around the 8 - 9 month age, he/she can have almost anything. You know what your baby can handle, what teeth he/she has also helps.

When you cook your own meat for dinner, cut a little of it off for baby. Most babies I've seen love to chew on a bit of sausage. Mini sandwiches are good - make a sandwich and then cut it into small squares.

Think of it this way - in a country such as India, babies eat curry. Now, you wouldn't think to give your baby something like curry, would you? Of course, it's what they are used to in India. My point here is that babies can eat almost whatever you eat, just in smaller portions. Naturally some things are hard for baby to chew until he/she gets teeth. Just use your own judgement. But don't be afraid to let your child try different things.

I did this with my 3 kids and never had a problem. I was always careful about the size of the food and what was in it, but basically they tried whatever I ate. They are now very good eaters when it comes to meat and veg (they actually like more veges than I do, lol).

If you are on a tight budget (as I was) and thus find it hard to afford the tins of baby food, do what I did. Buy a large tin of apples (or other fruit) and a carton of custard. Blend them up together to the consistency you want and put in containers in the fridge or freezer. With veges, just cook up a large pot of whatever veg you want, let cool, mash up, and put in containers. I used to make Sundays my cooking for baby day where I'd do this to make a weeks worth of meals up. It's fun to experiment with different blends of veges. As my baby progressed with what she could eat, I'd add a bit of pasta or rice.