Solids

Evidence 

https://ijponline.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13052-022-01275-w 

Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre, Raffaella Panza, Francesco Cresi, Guglielmo Salvatori, Luigi Corvaglia, Arianna Aceti, Maria Lorella Giannì, Nadia Liotto, Laura Ilardi, Nicola Laforgia, Luca Maggio, Paolo Lionetti, Carlo Agostoni, Luigi Orfeo, Antonio Di Mauro, Annamaria Staiano & Fabio Mosca.  

Nutrition in the first 1000 days of life can help ensure appropriate growth rates and prevent adverse short- and long-term outcomes in infants. Early nutrition is also essential for physiologic neurocognitive development. Appropriate management of early nutritional needs is particularly crucial for preterm infants, a vulnerable population that features specific nutritional requirements which differ from those of term neonates. 

Education 

From birth to 6 months, breastmilk or formula provides all the necessary nutrients for a baby. Most full-term babies are ready to be introduced to solid food around 6 months, however for a premature baby they may not be ready for solid food until closer to a corrected age of 6 months. Every baby is different so it’s important to wait until your baby shows signs they are ready, such as being able to eat from a spoon and the extrusion reflex is no longer present, which is when they push out their tongue in response to feeding.  

Signs of readiness for all babies include:  

• Able to hold their head themselves 

• Sits upright with support  

• Shows interest in food by opening mouth  

• Moves food from front of the tongue to back and swallows without gagging or choking. 

• Increased appetite  

Babies should not be introduced to solids before 4 months old as their digestive system and immune system are not yet fully developed.  Introducing solids before your baby’s digestive system is ready may increase the risk of allergies. Starting solids too early can be risky if your baby isn’t quite ready—they might not have the skills to eat safely, and being pressured to eat could make them dislike mealtimes. However, if solids are started too late there is the risk of anaemia as the baby’s iron stores run low.  

Breastmilk or formula should continue while solids are being introduced.  

When introducing solid foods at 6 months, foods should be pureed and smooth and high in iron. Examples are iron fortified cereal and iron rich pureed meat, chicken, fish, egg, legumes, and tofu. Other nutritious foods such as pureed fruit and vegetables, yoghurt, custard, and cheese can be introduced as well. By 8 months foods can progress from smooth and pureed to lumpy and finely chopped. Examples are chopped and finger foods such as cooked vegetables, pieces of tender meats, soft diced fruit, pasta, rice, and bread. By 12 months your baby should be ready to eat a variety of family food. It is not recommended to feed children under the age of 4 whole grapes, nuts and seeds, chunks of meat or cheese, hard candy, popcorn, or raw vegetables.   

Water can be introduced by 6 months, and your baby can have cooled boiled water in a cup at mealtimes and other times during the day.  

Baby led weaning is an alternative way of feeding your baby and basically lets your baby feed themselves and is suitable from 6 months for most babies. The baby is in control of what they eat and are not spoon fed. Instead of offering purees, food is cut up into manageable shapes for the baby to eat. Vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower all cook well and maintain their consistency and shape when cooked and are suitable beginning options. Soft meats cut into small pieces and fruit such as mango, banana, kiwi fruit and orange can be offered. If a baby has any delays in developmental skills (like the ones mentioned earlier), this approach might not be the safest option. There are also some concerns about whether babies can get enough iron this way, since iron-rich foods like meat can be tricky to offer without changing the texture. For premature babies especially—who need extra iron—a mix of pureed or mashed foods along with finger foods might be a better choice – if you are unsure or need more advice, please speak to your healthcare team. 

Empowerment 

Once a baby shows signs of readiness for solids you can start giving them food. It’s an exciting time as your baby is growing but it can be overwhelming. It is important to know the types of food you can give your baby and at what stage and whether you want to offer the traditional method of purees, try baby led weaning or use a combination of both. Good nutrition helps babies develop and grow, while also contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases so it’s important they have the right type of nutrients. 

Useful Links 

Raising Children 

https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/breastfeeding-bottle-feeding-solids/solids-drinks/introducing-solids 

Starting Solids Australia 

https://www.startingsolidsaustralia.com.au/ 

Australian Breastfeeding Association  

https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/solids-when-do-we-start 

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