Working Mom’s Guide to Starting solids
Today we have our friends at Raised Real share some helpful advice for working moms when introducing solids to their little ones!
Introducing solids to your baby for the first time is exciting. The face they make when they try a new flavor they love is priceless and you can actually get them to like vegetables at this stage. At the same time, for most, maternity leave is over by the time your baby is starting solids and there’s probably a million questions running through your head and not enough time in the world to ask Siri all of them. To make your life easier, here’s your quick guide to feeding your baby solid foods for the first time.
You can feed your baby solids while you’re still breastfeeding or using formula
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend introducing babies to food at six months, in addition to breast milk or formula. There are 3 key signs that your baby is ready for food other than their age: 1.) they can sit up on their own; 2.) they aren’t pushing food out of their mouth with their tongues. 3.) they are showing interest in your food.
In general, babies should start with solids twice a day
Most children start solids between 4-6 months. During this time, the World Health Organization (WHO) points to giving your baby solid foods 2-3 times a day.
Babies can eat real food, even spices
There’s a common misconception that babies have to eat sugar laden goo, also known as the classic baby food pouch or baby food in a jar. But your baby can eat real food, just like you. In fact, babies can even eat spices, like turmeric. Superfoods, healthy fats, and spices are packed with nutrients to support your baby’s heart, brain, and bone health. Raised Real meals are filled with ingredients like avocado oil, chia seeds, spinach, and sunflower seed butter to help your baby develop into their best self.
But of course, there are foods you should avoid too
Dairy products can irritate babies’ stomachs, their bodies cannot yet process honey because it contains bacterium, and meat can be a choking hazard. Try plant-based superfoods like sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and spinach as an alternative. Your baby will love these blended with healthy fats like coconut butter and avocado oil.
Picky eating at the early stage is not always the case
It can take babies up to 15 times to like a new food because their palates are still being trained. Research shows that palate training can help ensure that your baby enjoys healthy food because they were introduced early on. What’s palate training? In short, up to 20 months, you can actually shape what foods your baby likes by consistently exposing them to healthy and more adventurous flavors. So yes, your baby can be an adventurous eater.
Ready to start introducing solids to your tiny human? Raised Real does all the mealtime work for you. We deliver plant-based baby-ready meals right to your door.