The marvelous journey of feeding solids

[Daniel's mom]

Hi!
I am feeding my baby with solids, and I make all his food. First, I tried the jarred versions (I thought: if he likes this, then I can try to make it). Of course, he refused to eat them. AT the end, it was more expensive because I had to throw away the still full jarred food. So I decided to prepare him one meal first: potatoes with vegetables. I was so happy when I saw how well he ate it! He even pushed himself towards the spoon. It was amazing. 
Then I read (again!), TH book, and there she recommended one book, “New complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner”, by Annabel Karmel.
One of the best books I have bought. I did not used to cook, and indeed, I am not the best one. However, I really wanted the best for my baby. I started with the recipes from the book and I am so glad I did! My son eats EVERYTHING (although he is now only 7 months old, hope he will stay like this on the future  ) and you can actually see how much he enjoys his meals. He has eaten from salmon in cheese sauce to tomatoes with basil.
Besides, I have found that I actually like to cook  , it was just a matter of trying. In addition, I know how my son likes his food, so I can easily adjust the texture, have more variety, etc.
So I really recommend moms to prepare their own food from the 6 months. It has worked great for me. And yes, it can be a little bit time consuming at first, but before you know it, you get into it.
And don’t despair if he doesn’t like something from the beginning. He did not like apples!, but now he eats them with “gusto”.
      
And well, now I have only one question: as I have stated before, my son loves his solids. Therefore, sometimes he just wants more and more. This, however, means that then he doesn’t take his entire formula intake or that sometimes, doesn’t’ want it at all. At 7 months, is not still more important to have a full tummy with formula than with solids? I read he should have at least 18 oz of formula per day, from 6 months to one year. So I guess I should increase his solids as long as it doesn’t affect his formula intake, right?

Thanks!

[Dorien]

Yes no worries if his formula intake dropes slightly as long as you hit the 500-800 mlmark!

We also LOVE A. Karmel 's book. Especially the schedules which set you off when first introducing solids...

[tylersmommy]

You're right, at 7 mo his main source of nutrition should still be formula, even if that means cutting back on solids somewhat. Daily formula intake guidelines vary quite a bit...the ones I've used recommend 26-32 oz of formula until around 10 mo, then it drops down to 24-32 oz.

[*Natasha*]

Yes i agree with Tylersmommy you need to keep up the milk intake at this age don't let it drop yet. My DD loves her solids and if it were up to her would keep eating if i let her but i only allow enough so she still drinks all her bottles as it is still important at her age. We had her 8 month check up today and was advised that around 10months is when i can slowly start decreasing her milk intake and increase her solids.
In Australia for 6-9months the average intake of milk recommend per day is 600-800mls a day which is 26-32ozs. Then around 10-12months slowly drop down to 500-700mls a day.

[Sydney]

Hi everyone

I started my dd on solids at a little over 5 months.  She got sick with the flu and cold and wouldn't take any of the solids at that point, so I decided to wait until she turns 6 months which is next Thursday.  She had only had rice cereal and sweet potatoes before I stopped giving her solids.

Anyway, I noticed the talk he re: the number of ounces your baby should still take when you start giving solids.  My dd has never been a huge eater and the MOST I can get her to drink in one day is 28-30 ounces.  I noticed that the recommended ounces of formula is 26-32 when on solids.  My dd just wouldn't be able to take this much in plus solids.

What is the lowest amount of formula you would recommend?

TIA!