Don’t be in a rush to take this big step! Remember that your breastmilk alone is enough to satisfy your growing baby’s needs for the first six months, after which it’s time to start giving her solid food. If you are going to introduce solids to your baby earlier than this, do not do so before the age of 4 months. This is because her digestive system is not able to process anything but milk before this. In fact, giving your baby solids earlier than four months can have negative effects on her long-term health.
Waiting much later than 6 months of age is also not a good idea, as her nutritional needs increase at this age. As a result, she’s ready to be exposed to the different tastes and textures of solids.
Age is not the only factor at play though; there’s a number of developmental milestones and fine motor skills that will show that your baby is ready for her first bites of solid food:
YOUR BABY CAN SIT UP UNSUPPORTED and has good control over her head and neck.
YOUR BABY IS NO LONGER GAINING WEIGHT AS QUICKLY as she did in the early months, and her milk feeds no longer satisfy her, as she gets hungry soon after a feed.
YOUR BABY CAN REACH OUT TO GRAB an object and bring it to her mouth.
YOUR BABY SHOWS INTEREST IN YOUR FOOD.
YOUR BABY HAS LOST HER TONGUE-THRUST REFLEX and does not automatically push food out of her mouth with her tongue.
YOUR BABY MAKES A CHEWING ACTION with her jaw.
YOUR BABY HAS DOUBLED HER BIRTH WEIGHT (but if she’s done this before the age of 4 months, she’s still not ready).
Bu hikaye Your Pregnancy dergisinin February/March 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Your Pregnancy dergisinin February/March 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
COVID & your child
Symptoms, treatment, vaccines and a rare condition called MIS-C is on our minds when it comes to The Virus these days.
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
It happens, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we go overboard trying to show our love – and then things backfire.
Prioritise REST!
The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what miracle your body is performing, so it’s essential to listen to it. Here’s what you can do to get through these low times.
CRYING CLUES
Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
There are four main factors that affect the length and intensity of labour. They are known as the four P’s and work together to make each woman’s labour unique.
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Sure, it can seem scarier than labour, but with these simple tips to bathing your newborn, you’ll soon be a pro.
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Feel like your child just doesn’t listen to you? There are some techniques you can use to improve your chances of getting through.
