introducing solids

DebbieM422

So, we're trying to introduce solids to our 4 1/2 month old - not so much for nutrition but just to start to get him used to it. My question is this - is it weird if I give them to him after his 6am bottle? I ask becuase he's in daycare from 7 until 4, and he eats at 6am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm, and then a dream feed at 10pm. I would give them to him after his 6pm bottle, but most nights, he passes out for the night at 6pm (and sleeps 11-12 hours - I know, we're stupid lucky).

Is it weird if I give him solids like mushy peas and avocado, etc. at breakfast?

Thanks!

blu-eyedwife

Timing wise I think that's fine.  You want to introduce solids when they're not hungry, because you want their nutrition to be from the bottle (milk/formula whatever you're giving).  So after the morning bottle would be a good time, if you have time for it (I know mornings before daycare were sometimes a whirl of activity for me).

In terms of what to give, before 6 months I think you really need to stick with purees if you're insistent on starting solids.  This issue is that before 6 months (and really, after for some time too) infants/babies/whatever you're comfortable calling them, don't have the ability to manipulate their tongue as necessary to move food from the front to the back of the mouth.  So it needs to be something they can "suck and swallow" if you don't want to risk injury/choking.

All that being said, 4 1/2 months is still on the early side of solids, so don't feel like you have to rush things by adding in a daily feeding. It might be something you want to do on the weekends only at this point, when you have more time.

BC&LM

Timing wise, morning, noon, or night doesn't really matter, but I would wait until close to six months to start solids.

BC&LM

CK2MD said:

DebbieM422 said:

So, we're trying to introduce solids to our 4 1/2 month old - not so much for nutrition but just to start to get him used to it. 

Most babies aren't ready for solids at 4 1/2 months. If you start when he is ready, he won't need as much time to "get used to it." There are potential downsides to starting solids early and no real benefit... (See https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2013/03/dont-feed-your-baby-solid-food-before-6-months/)



Seconding her statement--we started LO at six months, and he was eating like a pro by day two or three. He didn't need to get used to it because he was old enough to begin with. (There are some babies that still don't take to it at six months, but most will by then.)