Here are five super handy things to know if you're a Mumma about to start solids. For a first-time Mumma, it feels like you've been thrown in the deep end and everything is a bit of a guessing game. These five little tips will hopefully make it a bit easier for you.
1. There’s No One Perfect Food to Start With
Starting with savoury foods can help discourage a preference for sweet flavours later on. Introducing one flavour at a time initially may also help prevent picky eating habits in the future. However, introducing solids is a gradual process that involves exposing your baby to a variety of flavours, nutrients, and textures over time. So, any nutritious food can be chosen to begin with. The key is variety.
Many parents feel overwhelmed by the plethora of advice on the perfect first food, ranging from rice cereal to avocado. The reality is, there is no magic first food. What is more important is ensuring your baby gets a diverse range of tastes and textures over time. This broadens their palate and provides a well rounded nutritional foundation.
If you’re still feeling totally overwhelmed here’s a meal plan for bub’s first week of solids for inspiration:
Day 1: zucchini
Day 2: avocado
Day 3: broccoli
Day 4: chicken, zucchini
Day 5: beef, broccoli
Day 6: sweet potato, avocado
Day 7: carrot, beef
2. There’s No ‘Set’ Amount Baby Should Eat
Your baby may well just spit everything out to begin with, and that’s okay – food is strange if never experienced before. Those first few months are really about experimenting with food and learning how to chew and swallow. Breast milk or formula is the key source of nutrition for the first 12 months, so as long as a variety of food is regularly offered in a pressure free environment, your baby will start munching away soon enough.
It can be frustrating when your baby doesn't seem interested in eating carefully prepared purees and foods. Understanding that solids are more about exploration than nutrition in the beginning helps ease these worries. Babies are naturally curious and will engage with food at their own pace. Patience and consistency are crucial. Offering small, manageable portions without pressure allows them to enjoy the process and develop their eating skills naturally.
3. Don’t Compare Your Baby to Other Babies
Some babies are ready for an all you can eat buffet from the get go, and other babies prefer to have a tiny taste and be done with it. Trust your baby; let them get there at their own pace. Remember, babies are intuitive eaters. Of course, if there are concerns about the baby’s growth and development, consulting a GP is advisable.
It's easy to feel competitive or worried when seeing other babies devouring large amounts of food while another baby is taking it slow. Every baby is unique, and their readiness and interest in solids will vary. Instead of comparing, celebrate the baby’s milestones, no matter how small. A positive and stress free feeding environment fosters a healthy relationship with food that will benefit your little one for years to come.
4. Don’t Stress When Your Baby Gags
Seeing a baby gag for the first time can be frightening. But knowing the difference between gagging and choking can alleviate worry. If the baby is red and noisy, let them be; they are just working on bringing food to the front of their mouth. If the baby is pale and silent, then immediate help is necessary.
Understanding the difference between gagging and choking is vital for peace of mind. Gagging is a natural reflex that helps prevent choking and is part of learning how to manage different textures. Educating oneself on infant CPR and first aid can provide additional confidence. A calm reaction will help the baby remain calm and continue to explore new foods without fear.
5. Smocks Save So Many Outfit Changes
A bib alone is not enough. Food gets EVERYWHERE. Save a lot of extra laundry by investing in some smocks. Also, just learn to embrace the mess! Smocks like the Little Chomps Starter Smocks make mealtime comfy and clean.
Feeding time can quickly turn into a mess fest, with food finding its way to places never imagined. Investing in good quality smocks can save countless outfit changes and piles of laundry. Embracing the messiness of mealtime can make the experience more enjoyable for both parent and baby. It’s all part of the learning process and adds to the fun of discovering new foods.
Starting solids is a unique journey for each parent and baby. It's filled with trial and error, moments of joy, and occasional frustrations. There is no one size fits all approach. Trusting instincts, being patient, and most importantly, enjoying this new chapter in your baby’s life is essential. Embracing these five insights can make the process smoother and more enjoyable for both you and bub. Happy feeding!
Everything you Need for Starting Solids
Is your bub about to start solids? We have everything you need, to make life so much more convenient:
✅Veggie Puree Starter Pack (10 individual veggies)
✅Fruit Puree Packs
✅Salmon Puree
✅Beef Puree
✅Chicken Puree
✅Allergen Intro Packs (14 individual allergens)
✅Tree Nut Maintenance Meal Packs (all 9 tree nuts)
Please note, our advice is general in nature and should not replace any advice provided to you by your health professional. Ensure your bub is over 4 months old and is showing signs of readiness before starting solids. If you have any concerns about your bubs development or starting solids consult your GP or other health professional.*