Solid Foods

INTRDUCING SOLID FOODS

During the first four to five months, a baby finds complete nutrition in mother’s milk. But as he grows, he needs additional nutrition. One way to tell that a baby is ready for solid food is when he appears hungry despite taking frequent breast feeds and appears to show an interest in foods. In contrast, if the baby cries or turns away from such food, don’t force him. Go back to breast or milk feeds for a week or two and then try again. Forcing and coaxing inevitably leads to difficulties.
It always pays to keep the environment happy and relaxed and to respect baby’s appetite and food preferences. Go slow; try out one new food at a time and wait for four on five days before trying another. Watch for any allergic reaction such as diarrhea, vomiting or rash. If these occur, stop the food and talk to your doctor.
It is best to try home-cooked fresh foods rather than tinned or bottled baby foods. The later are convenient but expensive and are certainly not superior to homemade foods. You should avoid adding extra sugar or spices and should preferably restrict salt until eight or nine months of age.
To prevent the child from choking make him sits up when you give him food. Use a spoon and do not put solids in a bottle.

NUMBER AND TIMINGS OF SOLID FEEDS

At four to six months
Continue to breast- or bottle-feed four or five times a day and introduce solids twice, say around 10 am and 6 pm.
Between six and nine months
Continue to breast or bottle-feed three or four times a day and offer the baby solids three times a day, say at 9 am,1 pm and 7pm.you may also give him milk in a cup and stop using a bottle.
Beyond nine months
Give the child solids four times a day, say at 9 am, 1 pm,4 pm and 8pm. You may also give him fresh milk two or three times or continue breast-feeding.