Baby Feeding Tips: How to Know When They’re Ready for Solid Foods
Babies grow fast, and as they get older they will need more food to support their growth. You have to feed your baby regularly and consistently. Keep in mind that your baby depends on you for all his needs. Do your best to give your best care and attention.
Baby nutrition should always be one of the most important considerations a parent has in mind during the first months of his life, you should feed him with breast milk or formula milk, but you should give him solid foods when the time is right. This will ensure that it receives enough nutrition to support its growth. There are signs to watch for first before giving your baby these foods.
DISAPPEARANCE OF THE EXTRUSION REFLEX
This type of reflex facilitates the smooth flow of liquid foods such as milk and prevents solid foods from entering the mouth. You have to know that this reflex aims to protect the child from choking that food can bring. But this reflex will disappear after a few months and it will be a good sign that your baby is ready for solid foods.
ABLE TO EXPRESS FULLNESS OF MEALS
He has to develop the ability to send signals that he is already full, such as moving away from food. This ability will help him regulate the amount of food he eats and prevent too much food from entering his stomach.
DOUBLE WEIGHT AND CAN SIT
Before introducing your baby to these foods, he must first learn to sit up. This is one of the signs that you should first watch for in your baby before giving him solid food. This is to make sure you are physically ready. You should also keep in mind that he has doubled his weight, which tells you that he needs more food to support his rapid growth.
INTEREST IN FOOD AND WAKES UP FREQUENTLY AT NIGHT
If you see that your baby is very interested in your food, that is one of the signs that he is ready for it. This will tell you that you need additional nutrition from solid foods. Frequent waking up at night sometimes means he’s hungry, so you should consider giving him solid food so he gets enough nutrition.
Solid foods should be introduced to your baby gradually so that you know if your baby has a food allergy. Always make sure your baby is ready for solid foods before giving him some. This is to make sure that you will be able to tolerate them.