Skip to content 
Getting started is the most exciting part of your child’s development. It’s time for exploration, new tastes, and dietary changes. For breastfeeding parents, this change raises questions about how breastfeeding fits into the new policy and what changes. It is important to remember that your baby’s milk should be continued during this period as it is still the main source of nutrition.
Giving your child solid foods is an opportunity to help them eat well. Rapid growth during childhood requires good nutrition, and a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of many nutrition-related diseases. Like adults, older babies need food from a variety of food groups to ensure they are getting enough nutrients. Starting with a healthy and nutritious diet, your baby will benefit from every phase of his growth.
Current advice fromWorld Health Organizationthey recommend starting solids at about six months. During this time, many babies show signs of readiness, such as sitting up unassisted, better head and neck control, and showing interest in food. Although some babies may be ready a little later or later, it is important to look for signs of development rather than following an age chart.
Signs of preparation
Every child is unique and develops in their own time. However, there are some signs that may indicate that the baby is ready to eat solid food.
Here are some tell-tale signs that your child is ready for hard times:
- Sucking fingers or fists
- He has lost the power of ‘tongue’
- Showing signs of a change in appetite
- Seemingly less satisfied with the milk he feeds himself
- Sitting without support:Your child should be able to sit without support. This shows that their stomach muscles are strong enough to handle solid food.
- Better control of the head and neck:Your baby should hold his head steady and turn it if he has enough food.
- Be interested in your food:If your baby is finding your food and seems interested in what you are eating along with the above signs they may be ready to start solids. Most babies start showing interest in what they are eating around 4-5 months but this alone does not mean they are ready to start.
How does starting solids affect breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding remains an important part of your baby’s diet even after giving him solids. It is important to understand that breast milk (or formula) will continue to be the main source of food for your child until they are 12 months old. Solids until now will provide additional nutrients. So how can you continue to support breastfeeding and introduce solids? We asked our in-house breastfeeding consultant Kate for some advice.
Prioritize breastfeeding: When you start on solids it is important that you continue to express breast milk before introducing solids to ensure that your baby is still drinking plenty of milk. As your baby progresses with his solids journey you can change whether the milk is before or after. The goal is that by 10-12 months they will have both.
A quick introduction: Start with one solid meal a day, gradually increasing to two or three meals. Start with small portions, such as 1-2 teaspoons (or two portions of finger food if you are breastfeeding), and increase gradually as your baby shows interest and eats more.
Dietary Supplements: Mefeed your baby nutritious foods such as bone broth, avocados, vegetables, coconut cream, liver, pasture-raised meat, and bone broth. These can be served on their own, mixed with vegetables, or pureed to create healthy and delicious meals.
There is no right time of day to introduce solids to your child, it’s just what works best for you and your child. Choose a time when your baby is not too tired and has already been breastfed, usually mid-morning.
Getting started on solids is an important step in your baby’s feeding journey. By planning carefully and paying attention to what your baby is telling you, you can incorporate solids into their diet while continuing to enjoy your breastfeeding relationship. Some babies can take solids faster than others, the goal is by 12 months your baby will be on solids and eating three meals a day. Breastfeeding beyond 12 months also improves their healthaboutcommon interests along with providing comfort and connection. If you are worried at any point, you can change your route or get other help.
Enjoy this time with your child, and remember that you can always seek advice from your child’s health nurse or doctor if you have any questions.
When to Start Cow’s Milk
Australian guidelines do not recommend regular cow’s milk as the first formula until your baby is one year old. However, regular, low-cream cow’s milk can be used in cooking or mixing your baby’s cereal.
Regular cow’s milk is very low in iron, an essential mineral for first-year-olds. Iron carries oxygen in the blood and is essential for growth. By 6 months, the iron stored before birth begins to decrease. That’s why it’s important to include iron-rich foods in your child’s diet, to reduce the risk of iron deficiency.
Conventional cow’s milk is also devoid of other important vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin C and essential fats. It is also high in sodium (salt) for babies.
Recipe: Egg Custard Cups
Ingredients:
1 ripe banana
2 egg yolks
1 TBSP ground flaxseed
1/2 cup breast milk (or milk or any other type of milk)
Additives: tainted liver powder
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180c (no fan)
2. Combine the bananas in a bowl, add all the ingredients and stir until combined and there are no lumps.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes and restart
4. Place the mixture in silicone muffin tins or small oven proof tins (I used egg cups) and place in a baking dish.
5. Fill the baking dish with water until it reaches half of the egg cups.
6. Put it in the oven for 20-25 minutes, check at 20 mins with a knife, if it comes out clean and ready.
7. Serve or refrigerate until ready to serve
The secret to food credit
How to get help
Australian and New Zealand Breastfeeding Consultants can helpFind a lactation consultant near you.
Ask your doctor, midwife, obstetrician, or health care provider to connect you with a local lactation consultant.
TheAustralian Breastfeeding Associationthey have many resources available including a 24-hour helpline for new mothers, face-to-face consultations, and online classes.