by Sarah Ince

Created on: August 13, 2008   Last Updated: August 14, 2008

When starting your baby on solid foods there may be many questions running through your head especially if you're a new parent. There is an average age to start your baby on solid foods, but it also depends on other factors which indicate if your baby is truly ready or not. Pediatrician, Dr. Charles Martin, says "it's not a good idea to begin solids too early because a child's delicate digestive system may not be ready for it." As a breastfeeding mother myself, I've read and been influenced by what that the World Health Organization recommends which is that "breast milk is the best food for babies and formula is the next best alternative for at least the first six months of age." However, not all babies are ready for solids at exactly 6 months either.

It is important not introduce solid foods early, and start with foods that are easiest to digest. When you start your little one on solid food be sure to only try one food at a time preferably organic baby food. The main reason for this is because you need to see if any food allergies show up. If your only starting with one particular food at a time you will know what the offending food is if your baby should have a reaction. If you're giving your baby something different every day and the baby has a reaction you will have no idea which food caused it. The introduction of solids is a slow process and that's okay. Give your little one only small amounts of food at a time. Your baby's digestive system is still very sensitive. Once you know your baby does well on a particular food you can then move on and try another.

Food Allergy Signals

Sometimes allergies can take several days to show up so watch your baby closely. The main food allergy signals are rash, hives, diarrhea, or diaper rash. More severe reactions are shock and asthma.

Thankfully, the severe reactions are not too common, but if your baby shows any serious reactions call 911 immediately. Many babies do have mild reactions like diaper rash and if this happens discontinue that particular food and wait to introduce it again in a month or two when your baby's digestive system is more developed.

The best Foods to Start with

Grain Cereals such as rice cereal are best to start with because this is very easy to digest, and starting your baby on rice cereal helps him or her to get acquainted with food texture, and different flavors besides breast milk. If your baby doesn't do well on rice cereal then you might want to try oat, grain or barley cereals preferably organic.

After

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>