Your 6-month-old is no more a squishy mushy baby. Consider them grown-ups. (Ahem) Your babies now have important decisions to make at the dinner table. So, while you set up their high chair, make sure your baby is all ready to have a “Solid start”.
Well getting to the very essence of it, we at Vega Baby & Mom believe that healthy food can give a healthy start to babies. Up until 6 months, breastmilk has been the best source of nutrition for a baby, it provides the baby with proteins, vitamins, and minerals, but as your baby becomes more agile, active, and curious they need something more along with breast milk. This is when they need the goodness of fruits and veggies to grow into healthy toddlers.
As your newest eater transitions between breast milk and solids, keep a few considerations in mind.
Introduce food textures gradually, and let babies use all their senses to feel the texture of food, this helps them have a positive relationship with food.
Do not introduce very hot food to them. Check the temperature of the food, you can also use a Vega Baby & Mom Heat sensory weaning spoon. The soft silicone tip of the spoon has a heat indicator that turns the tip white in color when the food is at 40 degrees Celcius or above.
Avoid giving salt to babies. Babies of a tender age of 6 months are not yet adept at digesting salt. It is advised not to give salt to babies till they are 12 months old.
Gear up well for the transition between breastfeeding and starting solids. Be ready with the required essentials such as a Silicone Food Feeder, Fresh Fruit Feeder (Nibbler) Weaning Spoon, and a pack of wipes too.
Before you start giving solid food to your babies here are a few signs to look for and check if your baby is ready for solids yet.
Introduce food textures as they develop, starting from purees, to mashed food to food chunks. Look for cues, and feed accordingly.
What are the signs my baby is ready for solid food?
Reach the 6-month milestone – When babies reach the milestone of 6 months, parents can see visible developmental changes in their babies. The 6-month milestone is a suitable time as babies have the digestive abilities to digest more than just breast milk.
The tongue thrust reflex has disappeared- Initially, babies have a tongue thrust reflex that helps them latch on to the breasts for breastfeeding, once this reflex gradually disappears babies can accept it and eat it well rather than pushing it out of the mouth.
Baby can sit upright without your physical support – Sitting in a slouched or somewhat wobbly position can impact the hand-eye coordination of babies. It is advised to offer solids when babies hold a posture and can sit in an upright position independently.
Baby has neck control – A floppy neck will make it difficult for babies to swallow very new food. If the baby has good neck control it becomes easier for them to chew and swallow food.
As 6-month-olds start exploring the world around them, they also explore new foods and textures. Babies also tend to mimic the actions of their parents so when they watch you enjoying your meal they try new foods too. To raise a healthy eater it is imperative to make mealtimes healthy and enjoyable for yourself and your babies too. Don’t rush to make them eat all that you have served them. Be ready for tantrums, rejections, spit-ups, let babies gradually accept the the solid food as an essential and positive part of their routine.
