Tips for Introducing Solids
When is my child ready for solids?
By six months, most children are ready to be introduced to solids. Regardless of age, it is important to consider your child’s gross motor skills before introducing solids. There is a direct relationship between gross motor development (e.g., sitting up, crawling, walking, etc.) and oral motor development (e.g., chewing, lateralization of tongue, etc.). If a child has gross motor delays, it is likely their oral motor development is delayed as well.
What are the signs my child is ready for solids?
- Mouthing toys
- Showing interest in food while others are eating
- Opens mouth to spoons
- Child is sitting up without support
My child is ready for solids. Now what?
Once your child is sitting upright on their own, it is appropriate to ask your pediatrician if they are ready to be introduced to solids. When it is approved by the pediatrician, you may begin introducing solids. It is important to introduce one type of food at a time to eliminate the potential of an allergic reaction. Foods that are commonly started with infants include sweet potato, bananas, and peas however there is no specific order in which foods need to be introduced. As your child is able to handle more advanced textures, foods such as mashed bananas, mashed avocado, and mashed sweet potatoes are commonly introduced real foods.
The most important thing to remember when introducing your child to solids is to follow their gross motor development! If you have questions regarding your child’s development, please feel free to reach out to Kids Place Pediatric Therapy.
References:
Solid Foods: How to get your baby started. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. October 2021.
When, what, and how to introduce solid foods. Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
