It’s not easy to know if your baby is ready for solids! There’s so much information out there and it’s challenging to work through. We spoke with our baby 😉 to find out when they’re ready to make the transition to come solids!
Common myths if your baby is ready for solids
Hi Mom and Dad,
I know that sometimes you just don’t get me, but that’s okay; learning baby-ese will take some skill. With time I’m sure you’ll master it. Anyway, today I’m actually writing to you on a topic very important to me and most babies: food. I’m closing in on 4 months now, so I think it’s important we address this.
You may be wondering if it’s time to start giving me food other than delicious milk. Until I am about 6 months old, I really don’t need solid food; milk gives me all the nutrients I need.
1. Sleeping Through the Night
I consulted with one of my cousins, and he had this to say:
Some well-meaning grandmas may say to put rice cereal in our milk at night to get us to sleep through the night. Please don’t do this until we are at least 6 months. My digestive system is simply not strong enough to handle grain yet and the digestive pain it puts me in won’t help me sleep.
Sincerely,
A Former Rice Cereal Consuming Baby
2. Breast Milk Doesn’t Have Enough Iron
Again, iron deficiency isn’t something you need to worry about until I am at least 6 months old. Mommy, you actually produce enough iron during the third trimester to keep me going for several months even after I’m born. Also, Vitamin C and lactose in your milk help me to absorb the trace amounts of iron, so don’t worry.
3. Only Give Us Mash
When you do give us solid foods, please don’t just give us something that looks like it was run over by a stroller wheel. We want real food to grab and play with, like avocado pieces or tiny, very ripe banana pieces. And when I say this, I speak for almost all babies. You’re probably wondering: when do I know my baby needs food? Here are some signs to watch for:
- If we’re clawing at your mashed potatoes, chances are we’d like a taste.
- Sitting – When I can sit unassisted and have awesome head support, I’m definitely ready for some solids.
- Grabbing – I can use my hands like pincers to grab food instead of just smashing it with fists. I’m definitely ready!
I hope this helped you. If you have any other questions about if your baby is ready for solids, please let me know. If I do not know the answer, then be sure to check out this free meal plan for babies! It’s a great guide to getting babies introduced to solids.
Sincerely,
Your Baby
