Introducing Solids How & When

I would like to share that many mothers; in fact I must say almost all mums get to this dilemma and uncertainty about when to start solids for the baby.

As mentioned in Part 1 of Introducing Solids, The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, La Lache League International (LLLI) including the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommend complete six months of exclusive breastfeeding stated as SAFE, SOUND and SUSTAINABLE.

While cultural aspects of introducing solids are varied as the cultures themselves around the world, research and data has brought out the importance of delaying introduction of solids. You may find the following information helpful to see why exclusive breastfeeding and delaying solids is so important after all. 

When should you start your baby on solids? 

Human milk is the only food that full-term babies need for about the first six months of life. Most solid foods are lower in calories than human milk, of lower nutritional value, and can be difficult for young babies to digest. You will know that your baby is really ready to start solids when:

• Baby has completed six months of age.

• Baby can sit up with minimal support. 

• Baby continues to be hungry despite more frequent nursing which is unrelated to illness or teething for more than a week.