One minute you have a newborn and the next minute they are a few months old and already looking for more than just milk. You blink and they are growing up! Sometimes it can feel like a bit of a minefield and there is so much information and advice thrown at you that you won’t know what to do. In all instances, it is easier to just keep it simple and use common sense. The world has made it easier and easier with the baby food industry growing more and more. You have many options. Introducing your little one to foods can be messy, hard work but it is also entering a new and fun chapter in their lives and a great opportunity to take funny pictures of their reactions to the food to show them later in life.
You will know your baby is ready to start trying new food when they can sit still and hold their head up steady, as well as focusing better and being able to pick things up and put them in their mouth. You may find they start gnawing and putting toys in their mouth as a good indication. It’s also a good idea to follow your pediatrician’s advice on the timing. Milk will remain the main source of nutrition your baby has and all babies are different, so they may wean onto foods at different times than your other children or your friend’s children. All babies develop at their own pace — there isn’t a set guide that at 4 or 6 months they are ready, and you are their parent so you will know best.
Remember: You don’t have to make it all yourself. Some parents have the time and energy to do this, but it isn’t a must-have. When they start weaning they will want to first have something like baby purees. Things like fruit purees can be simple to make. But buying some of the pre-made baby food is completely fine and can make a difficult day that bit easier. You’re a parent with many responsibilities after all. Purees or pouches are perfect for if you are out and about as well. Just grab a spoon and the jar or pouch and you are good to go.
It is common that babies may reject certain foods if they don’t like the taste or flavor; it may be more bitter or sour, and everyone has their own taste. Don’t worry if they reject things, and remember you don’t like everything and neither will they. Just keep trying new and different foods. Our pediatrician recommended waiting a few days before introducing a new food. She also recommended to keep trying foods they don’t like because it could take many attempts for your baby to like the food. Another idea is to start with vegetables or fruits that aren’t all sweet so that the baby doesn’t get used to only sweet foods. You will then start to work out what kind of textures and flavors they prefer while they are exploring their palette and moving onto solids. Then you can have amazing parties where they can try all sorts of foods along with everyone else.
