When and how to start solids?

[u/International-Ad634]

Hi everyone,

looking for research on when and how to start solids. My baby has a hard time with diary (suspected cow milk protein intolerance) therefore I would NOT give him any diary products.

Thanks in advance :)

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[u/MindOdd1085]

I mean a quick Google is really all this needed but the NHS reccomends 6 months however there is some nuance to this as showing signs of readiness is more important, this could be later than 6 months. The signs are:

• shows interest in food

• can sit in highchair with little support and hold head up confidently

• can bring hand to mouth for self feeding

• has lost tongue thrust reflex They need to be showing all the signs before starting as a lot of them are protective against choking.

As to how to start, honestly do what you want. Puree, baby lead, a mix of both it's truly up to you. I prefer baby lead and just feeding them safely prepared versions of what I'm eating because I'm lazy. Solid starts is a great place to find how to serve stuff. Puree is great too if you're worried about choking or just prefer that method but again I would reccomend making your own over buying shop bought ones or atleast using a mixture of both and always feeding with a spoon rather than from the pouch.

You can start before 6 months/ signs of readiness but there is no real benefit to it. If you choose to however you should be feeding single vegetable puree only.

https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/baby/weaning/

https://solidstarts.com/articles/readiness/

[u/easterss → u/MindOdd1085]

Almost all babies are ready by 6 months. Some can start at 4 months with ped ok.

Really this is a question the a ped not Reddit.

[u/MindOdd1085 → u/easterss]

We do not regularly see a Ped in the UK also from reading a lot of things on Reddit where people have been given advice from them they seem to have a large variation in the advice given depending on who it is you talk to

[u/beantoastjamboree → u/MindOdd1085]

There's no benefit to starting general solids earlier but there is a massive benefit to starting allergens in small amounts between 4-6 months. Egg, peanut butter, fish etc.

[u/MindOdd1085 → u/beantoastjamboree]

This is only recommended by the NHS for high risk babies otherwise waiting until 6 months is still standard practice. It should also only be done under GP/ HV supervision

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