Tips on Introducing Solid Foods from an Occupational Therapist

Introducing solid foods is an exciting milestone for both you and your baby. It's an opportunity to explore new tastes, textures, and develop important feeding skills. As occupational therapists, we have recommendations to help make this transition a positive experience for you and your little one:

1. When to Start:

   • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting solid foods around 6 months of age. This ensures that your baby's digestive system is ready and reduces the risk of certain food allergies.

1. Signs of Readiness: Look for the following signs to determine if your baby is ready for solids:

   • Can hold their head steady and sit with minimal support.

   • Shows interest in food by watching you eat and reaching for it.

1. How to Start:

   • Begin with single-ingredient, pureed or mashed foods that are easy to swallow. Common first foods include mashed bananas, cooked and pureed sweet potatoes, or iron-fortified infant cereals mixed with breast milk or formula.

   • Start with a small spoonful and gradually increase the amount as your baby shows acceptance. If they are not excited, slow down or take a break.

   • Offer new foods one at a time, waiting a few days between each new introduction to watch for any signs of allergies or sensitivities.

   • Allow your baby to explore and feed themselves. Offer safe utensils like soft silicone with thicker textures that stick to the spoon, and small dissolvable food they can pick up themselves.

   • Plan for a bath right after. Learning to eat is messy and fun!

1. Texture Progression:

   • Some families start with purees, and others do baby-led weaning and offer soft, bite-sized pieces of cooked vegetables, fruits, or well-cooked pasta.

   • Carbohydrates (starches, vegetables, and fruits) start breaking down from saliva. Proteins like meat and tofu do not. Proteins must be cut into much smaller pieces to avoid choking.

   • Introduce easily dissolvable finger foods when your baby can sit unsupported and grasp objects.

   • Introduce purees that have chunks in them like Stage 3 or soups much later. We would like to rename it Stage 6. It is instinctive to swallow liquids and chew solids. When they are combined it is the most challenging skill to master.

1. What to Avoid:

   • Avoid cleaning up your child after every bite. Part of learning to eat is smelling, feeling, and tasting. Let them explore with their hands and get messy!

   • Avoid introducing foods that are choking hazards, such as whole grapes, popcorn, nuts, or chunks of raw vegetables.

   • Avoid added sugars, salt, and seasonings, as well as honey, cow's milk, and highly allergenic foods (e.g., peanuts, and shellfish) until your baby is older.

1. What to Watch For:

   • Observe your baby's reactions to new foods. Look for any signs of allergies, such as rash, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any concerning reactions, consult your pediatrician.

   • Pay attention to your baby's feeding cues. They should show interest in food, open their mouth when offered a spoon, and swallow easily. If they are getting upset or resistant it is ok to stop for a couple of weeks and come back and try again.

   • If you notice difficulties with swallowing or chewing, persistent gagging or vomiting, take a break from solids and seek guidance from a speech therapist or occupational therapist right away. Each negative experience a baby has with eating solids can lead to aversions that can be difficult to recover from. This process should be enjoyable.

Remember, every baby is unique, and the pace of introducing solids may vary. Think of the first foods as exploration and oral motor skill building rather than focusing on quantity and nutrition. Enjoy this journey of exploring new foods together and trust your instincts as a parent. If you have concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or seek guidance from an occupational or speech therapist for personalized support.

Book Recommendations:

•  "Baby-Led Feeding: A Natural Way to Raise Happy, Independent Eaters" by Jenna Helwig

This book introduces the concept of baby-led weaning, which encourages infants to explore and self-feed solid foods at their own pace. It provides tips, recipes, and guidance for introducing a variety of foods while promoting independence and healthy eating habits.

• "Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense" by Ellyn Satter

This comprehensive guide explores the principles of responsive feeding and establishing a positive feeding relationship with infants and young children. It offers practical advice for introducing solids, addressing picky eating, and fostering healthy attitudes towards food.

By Tonya Zimring, MS, OTR/L, ECE

Thrive Baby Therapy

Fairfax, CA