Introduction to Solids

The introduction to solids is an important time in a child's life. Food habits are established in the early years so it is vital that children receive exposure to a wide range of food types and textures.

Solids should be commenced at around six months of age (definitely no earlier than four months). Feeding solids too early is not recommended as your infant's digestive and immune systems are underdeveloped. Beyond six months, your child's iron and zinc stores become low and hence solids are required. Signs that your child is ready for solids include:

• Shows an interest in food and puts things in their mouth.
• Demands more frequent feeds.
• Able to suck small amounts of pureed food from a spoon.
• Sits upright when supported with good head and neck control.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q. What does it mean if my child spits out the food and won't eat it?
A. They are either not ready for solids (look for tongue thrusting as a sign) or not yet used to the new flavour or texture. It can take up to ten exposures to a food before they become used to it, so simply try again another day.

Q. When can I introduce cows milk?
A. NOT before one year of age (use breast milk or formula) as the composition is not ideal for infants, with low levels of iron, vitamin C and linoleic acid. Cows milk is too high in protein, salt, potassium, phosphorus and calcium, so is not appropriate for infants as their kidneys are still underdeveloped. Only use small amounts in some family foods after 9 months if necessary (eg. custard).

Q Should I add extra's such as salt and sugar to my infants food to make it taste better?
A. No. Babies have more sensitive tastebuds than adults. Foods should be kept bland.

Q. Are there any foods that I should not give to my infant?
A.

• Small, hard foods or foods with skin or bones are a choking risk for infants. Avoid raw or undercooked pieces of hard vegetable (eg. carrot) or fruit, sausages, fish with bones, popcorn and nuts.
• Honey before 12 months due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum spores.
• Tea because it contains substances which bind iron and other minerals making them less available to your child.
• Highly sweetened (eg. lollies) and salted foods (eg. canned soups, fish in brine).

Q. What additional beverages should I be giving my child besides milk?
A. When introducing solids, human milk or formula should still be the main beverage, however extra fluid may be needed (boiled, cooled water is best). Fruit juice is not needed, but if provided, dilute it with water (maximum of one cup of diluted juice per day). Soft drinks, sports drinks and cordials should be avoided as these can lead to dental caries, reduce your child's appetite for nutritious foods and are high in sugar but lack other nutrients.

Sources of Further Information

Websites:

The Children's Hospital at Westmead
http://kidshealth.chw.edu.au/fact-sheets

USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Centre
www.bcm.tmc.edu/cnrc/consumer/archives/solidfoods.htm

Books:

Kids Food Health 1
Dr Patricia McVeagh & Eve Reed, 2001

How to stay sane in your baby's first year - new edition.
Catherine Fowler & Patricia Gornall