Beginning solids

[Iversenkdi]

Hello!

My son is 5 months and been showing interest in my food. I tried yesterday giving him some pear and he seemed to really like it. However I just want to know how to schedule it in. I feel before I start actually doing this I need to have a game plan in my mind.

Do I stick to one type of food for a couple days then introduce a new one? And I give the solids after his bottle right. (He is formula fed). I feel it will come naturally eventually but I just need some guidance to start. I like some sort of schedule to help me out. I also feel I need to have all then foods in my house and prepared so I'm not scrambling.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!!

[creations]

Hello and welcome to BW

There's quite a lot of information on the FAQs boards, perhaps you'd like to have a browse there
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions & Related Information
Most of the official guides on starting solids suggest waiting until LO is 6 months
Is your baby ready for solids?
although in practice some babies have the signs of readiness before this and it is up to you when to introduce foods. I would familiarize yourself with the foods to hold off from for the next month or so though (and those which should not be given in the first year), for instance I would avoid wheat. If you wanted to follow a BLW approach and offer finger foods I suggest either waiting another 2-4 weeks or at minimum checking that LO can sit up well on his own, he shouldn't be at all tilted or slumped if he is trying some of your foods as there would be an increased risk in choking. You may prefer to puree some soft fruits or steamed veggies for the next couple of weeks.

If there is no family history of allergies or intolerance then there is no need to trial 1 food at a time for several days but if you feel more comfortable that way then it's fine to do so. I would go forward with caution as LO's digestive system can take a time to adjust, poo will alter and some foods which might be fine in one portion may have a cumulative effect over a number of days - for instance carrots firm my DS's poo up and if he had nothing but carrots for 3 or 4 days he would have become badly constipated but if he has them along with other foods in a mixed diet he is fine (or I add a prune to soften poo).

You don't want the milk intake to drop at all, solids at this point are for the experience of tastes and textures.  Continue your usual milk feeds and begin with 1 solids 'meal' per day approx 1hr after a milk feed. It's your choice which meal to begin with but many prefer to start with breakfast or lunch so there is plenty of time before BT for any adverse reaction to show itself or at least to allow baby time to digest before their night sleep.

hope this helps. Do let us know if you have more questions