At around six months, baby shows you they are ready to start eating solid food.
The points below are signs that baby is ready for solid food:
- Drool more, close their mouth, and spit up less
- Are interested in what you eat and grab for your food
- Breastfeed more often and are still hungry after emptying both breasts
- Hold their head up and turn away when they are full
- Can chew and swallow solid food
At this age a baby's intestines are ready to handle solid food. They are old enough to have less chance of getting a food allergy.
- Breastfeed or give formula first, then let baby try solid food.
- Start with a small amount—one small spoon—and give more to match baby's appetite.
- Use a spoon so baby doesn't choke.
- Have baby sitting up, and watch carefully as they eat.
- Try one food at a time. Wait at least three days before trying another one to see if baby has an allergic reaction.
Iron
Starting at six months, babies need to eat iron rich foods every day.
- For healthy, strong blood
- For baby's brain to develop properly so they can learn and grow
If a baby is low in iron, they may:
- Look tired and pale
- Seem weak
- Be sick often
- Be poor eaters
- Grow slowly
Keep offering breast milk or formula with iron and vitamin D drops. Offer iron rich food every day—baby cereal, cooked meat—country food or store. Offer foods rich in vitamin C—fruit and veggies, maktaaq, fish eggs.
