When to start solids?

Here's a comprehensive guide for parents in England on starting solid foods for babies, with insights into when and how to begin, recommended foods, foods to avoid, and the support systems available to help make this transition smoother.

Starting Solids: When, Why, and How

When to Start Solids

According to the NHS and World Health Organisation (WHO), it is recommended that parents start introducing solid foods to babies around six months of age. This timeline aligns with evidence showing that by six months, most babies are developmentally ready for solid foods. Their digestive systems are more mature, and they’re better able to sit up, control their neck movements, and show interest in food.

Signs of Readiness for Solids

While age is an essential guideline, signs of readiness for solid foods can vary slightly between babies. Look for these indicators to know if your baby might be ready:

• Sitting up with support: Your baby can sit upright and hold their head steady, which is vital for safe eating.

• Interest in food: They may show curiosity about what others are eating, reaching for food or imitating chewing motions.

• Ability to swallow food: Babies start to lose the tongue-thrust reflex around six months, which previously helped prevent them from swallowing anything other than liquid.

Why Start Solids at Six Months?

Starting solids helps babies to:

• Meet their nutritional needs: As babies grow, breast milk or formula alone may not provide enough iron and other nutrients.

• Develop oral motor skills: Eating solid food helps develop chewing, swallowing, and self-feeding skills.

• Experience new tastes and textures: Early introduction to various tastes and textures can lead to more diverse eating habits.

How to Start Solids

1. Choose a Method: Traditional Weaning vs. Baby-Led Weaning

Traditional Weaning Traditional weaning involves starting with purees and spoon-feeding. Initially, foods are blended to a smooth consistency and gradually made thicker and lumpier as the baby adjusts to different textures.

Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) Baby-led weaning allows babies to feed themselves finger-sized pieces of food from the start. This method encourages autonomy, fine motor skills, and helps babies learn to manage different textures right away. Popular in the UK, BLW is supported by research that suggests babies often grow up to be less fussy and more adventurous eaters.

Many parents choose a combination of both methods, using spoon-feeding with some purees alongside finger foods.

2. Initial Foods and Portions

For the first few weeks, one or two teaspoons of a single food, once or twice a day, is a great start. Babies often explore food rather than eat it initially, but exposure helps them get used to different tastes and textures.

3. Create a Positive Environment

• Minimise distractions: Turn off the TV and give your baby your full attention.

• Be patient and responsive: Let your baby explore at their own pace without pressure.

• Offer praise and encouragement: Babies respond well to positive reinforcement, which can make mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.

4. Avoid Honey, Salt, and Sugar

For babies, avoid adding salt or sugar to any foods, as these can be harmful to their kidneys and lead to unhealthy eating habits later in life. Honey should be avoided until after 12 months, as it can cause infant botulism, a rare but severe illness.

Recommended First Foods for Babies

Single-Vegetable Purees

• Carrot, butternut squash, sweet potato, and parsnips are mild and sweet and can be blended to a smooth consistency, making them ideal first foods.

Iron-Rich Foods

At around six months, babies need more iron to support growth and development. Offer iron-rich foods such as:

• Pureed meat (chicken, beef, or turkey)

• Lentils and beans

• Eggs (well-cooked)

Fruits and Vegetables

Introduce a range of fruits and vegetables early on, which can include:

• Soft fruits: Banana, avocado, and steamed apple or pear slices are great options.

• Cooked veggies: Broccoli florets, green beans, or carrots are easily mashed and provide essential nutrients.

Allergenic Foods

Introducing allergenic foods early may reduce the risk of allergies. Try foods like:

• Peanut butter: Spread a thin layer on bread or mix a small amount with puree.

• Eggs: Offer well-cooked scrambled eggs or boiled eggs.

It’s a good idea to introduce allergenic foods one at a time, waiting a few days between each to monitor for any reactions.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods are best avoided until babies are a bit older, as they may pose health risks or choking hazards.

Honey

Honey should not be given to babies under one year due to the risk of infant botulism.

Whole Nuts and Large Chunks

Whole nuts can be a choking hazard for babies and young children. Nut butters are a good alternative, or you can finely grind nuts to add to porridge or other foods.

Salted or Sugary Foods

Babies’ kidneys cannot handle too much salt, so it’s important to avoid salty foods like crisps, bacon, and most processed foods. Similarly, sugary foods can contribute to unhealthy eating habits and dental issues.

Some Dairy Products

Avoid soft cheeses and unpasteurised dairy products, as these can carry bacteria harmful to young children. After six months, full-fat yogurt and cheese are acceptable and provide a good source of calcium.

Supporting Parents in England: Resources and Services

Starting solids can be a bit overwhelming, but parents in England have access to a range of support options:

1. Health Visitors

Health visitors are registered nurses or midwives who provide expert guidance on all aspects of baby care, including introducing solid foods. They can give tailored advice on:

• Recognising signs of readiness

• Managing common feeding challenges

• Finding the right feeding approach for each baby’s needs.

Health visitors are accessible through your GP or local children’s centre.

2. NHS Start4Life Campaign

The NHS’s Start4Life initiative offers free resources for parents, covering everything from nutrition to recipes. The website is full of articles, videos, and meal ideas specifically for babies starting solids. Start4Life also provides information about local health services and events in your area.

3. Online Parenting Courses

Many local councils in England offer free or low-cost online courses for new parents. These courses often include sections on nutrition and starting solids, helping parents with practical tips and tools to feel more confident.

4. Support Groups and Children’s Centres

Local children’s centres offer group sessions where parents can meet others going through similar experiences. Many centres have sessions dedicated to nutrition and early weaning, led by trained professionals.

5. Social Media and Online Communities

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and parenting forums can provide valuable information and support, as well as a sense of community. Groups dedicated to baby-led weaning or starting solids can be particularly helpful.

6. Apps for Baby Nutrition and Meal Planning

Some apps are designed specifically to guide parents on nutrition, meal planning, and even recipes for babies. Look for apps that are endorsed by the NHS or registered dietician to ensure you’re getting credible information.

Common Questions About Starting Solids

How Often Should I Feed My Baby Solid Food?

Start with once a day and gradually increase based on your baby’s interest and appetite. By around eight to nine months, most babies enjoy three small meals and some snacks.

How Much Should My Baby Eat?

Portions can be very small at the beginning, often just a few teaspoons. The key is to follow your baby’s cues; let them decide how much to eat.

What if My Baby Refuses Food?

If your baby doesn’t seem interested, it’s okay to take a break and try again later. Every baby is different, and it can take a few tries for them to accept new foods.

When Can I Introduce More Complex Foods?

As your baby grows, you can introduce more complex foods such as mixed vegetable dishes, small pasta shapes, and family meals that are adapted for babies (with no added salt or sugar).

Starting solids is an exciting milestone that plays a crucial role in a baby's development and helps set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. In England, there’s a wide array of support resources available, from health visitors and the NHS Start4Life campaign to local groups and parenting networks. By following recommended guidelines, choosing the right foods, and introducing allergenic foods carefully, parents can ensure their baby’s transition to solids is smooth and enjoyable.

As with any new stage in parenting, patience, flexibility, and support are key, allowing parents and babies alike to enjoy the journey of discovering food together.