The Right Way to Start Solids for Babies at 6 months

Feb 24

In the world of parenting, starting solids can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this episode of the Modern Indian Parent Podcast, nutrition consultant Sanchita Daswani shares invaluable insights on how to approach this crucial milestone. Joined by co-host Rinie Gupta, they explore the right way to introduce solids to babies at around six months, addressing common misconceptions and providing practical advice for parents.

Watch full video here:

https://www.modernindianparent.com/p/1-the-right-way-to-start-solids-3ee?r=4k37ql

Introduction and When We Started Solids

Sanchita begins by acknowledging the confusion many parents face regarding when to start solids.

"Your pediatrician will tell you to start at four months, Instagram will tell you to start at six months, and your in-laws are like just start at any random time," she explains. This conflicting information can lead to uncertainty for new parents.

Rinie shares her experience of wanting to start solids at six months but being influenced by advice from family.

"I wanted to start at six months, but my mom would tell me she gave some dal ka pani when my baby was around five months," she recalls. This reflects a common struggle among parents to balance expert advice with familial traditions.

Both hosts emphasize the importance of being informed and making decisions based on updated knowledge rather than outdated practices. They highlight the need for parents to be aware of their child's individual readiness for solids.

Readiness Signs for Starting Solids

Sanchita outlines the key signs that indicate a baby is ready to start solids. It's not just about age; several developmental milestones should be considered:

Sitting with Minimal Support: A baby should be able to sit upright in a high chair, providing stability to manage food.
Loss of the Tongue-Thrust Reflex: This reflex, which makes babies push food out of their mouths, typically fades around six months.
Hand-Eye Coordination: Babies should be able to pick up objects and bring them to their mouths, which indicates readiness to explore food.
Interest in Food: Showing curiosity about what others are eating is a positive sign.

"Look at all these signs together," Sanchita advises. "Some babies reach them just before six months, while others may take a bit longer."

False Signs of Readiness

While parents often look for specific signs, Sanchita cautions against misinterpreting certain behaviors as readiness. Just because a baby watches others eat or seems interested in food doesn’t mean they are physically ready to start solids.

Rinie adds, "Many parents assume that if their baby is staring at them during mealtimes, they should start solids immediately." However, without the necessary developmental skills, this can lead to frustration for both the parent and the child.

Why You Should Not Pressure Your Child to Eat a Certain Amount

One of the most significant points discussed is the pressure parents often feel to ensure their child eats a certain quantity of food. Sanchita emphasizes that starting solids should not be seen as a race to fill up the baby’s plate.

"When you start solids, don't look at it as calorie intake. Look at it as an activity," she advises. This perspective encourages parents to focus on skill-building rather than quantity, allowing children to develop a healthy relationship with food.

Why the Force Feeding Culture Is So Prominent

Both hosts discuss the cultural influences that perpetuate the force-feeding mentality. Sanchita points out that many parents grew up in environments where finishing everything on their plate was expected.

"We tend to pass that on to our kids," she explains. This pressure can create a negative experience around mealtimes, leading to stress for both parents and children. Rinie adds that it’s essential for parents to recognize this pattern and aim for a more positive approach.

Should You Start with Savory or Sweet Foods?

One common question parents have is whether to introduce savory or sweet foods first. Sanchita addresses this concern head-on.

"A reality check for parents: breast milk and formula are already sweet," she explains. This means that starting with sweet foods isn’t inherently bad. She encourages parents to offer a variety of flavors and textures from the beginning.

"Let’s build their taste buds and gut health," she adds. Introducing a range of vegetables and fruits can help children develop a more diverse palate.

Should You Offer the Same Food for Three Days?

Another prevalent myth is that parents should offer the same food for three consecutive days before introducing something new. Sanchita debunks this notion, stating,

"You don’t need to give apple three days in a row to check for allergies." Instead, she emphasizes that any potential reactions can typically be observed within a day.

"If they have a reaction, you will know quickly," she assures parents. This approach not only simplifies the introduction of solids but also keeps mealtimes exciting for babies.

Can We Add Seasonings to Baby’s Food?

The discussion also covers the topic of seasoning baby food. Many parents wonder if it's safe to add flavor to their baby’s meals. Sanchita strongly advises against adding salt and sugar in the first year but notes that seasoning with herbs and spices is perfectly fine.

"Imagine eating plain chicken and dal without any flavor," she points out. By using spices like cumin and coriander, parents can enhance the taste of baby food, making it more enjoyable for their little ones.

Can Babies Have Salt and Sugar?

When it comes to salt and sugar, Sanchita provides clear guidelines.

"No salt and sugar in the first year," she states emphatically. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy diet and preventing early preference for sweet or salty foods.

"Breast milk and formula already contain salt, so we don’t want to overdo it," she explains. After the first year, a pinch of salt can be introduced, but moderation is key.

Best Tip for When Starting Solids

Sanchita’s final piece of advice is perhaps the most impactful:

"Focus on quality and variety, not quantity." This mantra encourages parents to embrace the learning process and support their child in developing a healthy relationship with food.

"Don’t feel pressured to achieve certain milestones," she adds. Each child is unique and will progress at their own pace.

Conclusion

As parents embark on the journey of introducing solids, understanding the right approach can make all the difference. The insights shared by Sanchita and Rinie empower parents to make informed decisions, fostering a positive environment around mealtime.

For more invaluable information on starting solids and child nutrition, be sure to check out the full podcast episode here: