Off to a ‘weaningful’ start: Is your baby ready for solids?
Published on 29 December 2024
Introducing your baby to their first taste of solids is exciting yet nerve-racking. Spot the signs of weaning readiness and make mealtimes fun and stress-free.
Starting solids is more than just another milestone – it’s your baby’s first adventure towards learning an essential life skill: eating! Those curious stares at your plate, playful food grabs or lip-smacking sounds could all be hints that they’re ready to dive into a world of flavours and textures.
But how do you know for sure when your little one is ready to wean? What food should you serve first?
Most babies are ready to start solids between 17 weeks and six months, although milk remains their main source of nutrition at this stage, explained Ms Charlotte Lin, Head of Department, Department of Dietetics, National University Hospital (NUH).
Why start weaning now?
Beginning solids during this time helps ensure your baby gets enough calories and protein, because breastmilk alone is insufficient to meet their nutritional needs as they grow, Ms Lin said. Food also provides essential micronutrients such as iron and vitamin A, which are important for your little one’s healthy growth and development.
Beyond nutrition, solids open up a world of new tastes, textures and flavours while helping your baby develop chewing and swallowing skills. Weaning at this age also allows them to become familiar with solid foods and bond with loved ones at mealtimes, building social skills and early independence.
Too early or too late?
For parents who are thinking of weaning their babies earlier than recommended, Ms Lin cautioned: “If a baby is weaned too early, the gut and kidney functions may not be mature enough to metabolise nutrients from solid foods.”
But do not wait too long, either. Some evidence suggests a critical window for introducing lumpy solid foods. “If this doesn’t happen around nine to 10 months of age, it could lead to an increased risk of feeding challenges and harder for babies to enjoy important food groups, such as fruit and vegetables, as they grow,” Ms Lin explained.
For babies with neurodevelopmental delays or who are medically unwell during the weaning period, the introduction of solids may be delayed, said Ms Jocelyn Tan, Senior Speech Therapist at NUH. Discuss with your child’s healthcare team if you need support.
Is your baby ready for solids?
Rather than strictly adhering to the age recommendation, follow your baby’s cues. Some signs of weaning readiness include:
- Sits with some support
- Has good head and neck control
- Opens mouth when a spoon is offered
- Brings hands or toys to their mouth
- Watches food with interest
But what if your baby does not have teeth yet – does it matter? It is a misconception that babies need to develop teeth before starting solids. “We can offer them foods in softer textures that do not require chewing with teeth,” Ms Lin said.
Setting the stage for success
Getting your baby ready for their first taste of solid food is important. Start by choosing the right time for the meal. “If your child is too hungry or too tired, that might not be the best time, especially when this is something new to your child,” Ms Tan said.
Tailor your expectations about the length of the meal as well, since it is unlikely to last as long as a typical family meal. “When your child starts weaning, it is normal for meals to be as short as 15 to 20 minutes,” Ms Tan advised. “This is normal as they are still learning a new way of eating and may not have the stability to sit for long periods of time.”
“For some, it may be only 10 minutes, or whenever the child starts refusing the food – and that’s fine when they’re first learning how to eat.”
Another tip from Ms Tan is to offer opportunities for your baby to get used to different textures in their mouths. For example, encourage them to explore different textures and sensations (like their hands, a teether or an infant toothbrush) with their mouth before starting solids.
Proper positioning is also crucial for feeding, as it prevents choking and helps your baby focus on mouth movements when chewing and swallowing, instead of having to maintain their balance.
Seating options should include a full head and backrest with recline options, especially for younger children, and an adjustable footrest, Ms Tan said. In the ideal seating position, your baby should be stable at the hips and trunk, with the elbows, hips and knees at 90 degrees.
Follow your baby’s cues
Ultimately, the experts said it is important to read your baby’s cues during feeding. “If your child is tired, cranky or unwell, you may wish to skip solids at that particular time or day and try again in one or two days,” Ms Lin suggested.
If your child initially rejects new foods, do not be discouraged. It may take 10 tries on 10 different occasions before they start liking a new food. Keep offering foods with patience, while introducing new flavours and textures along the way. Once your child is comfortable with purees, continue exploring new foods and different combinations.
To raise a happy and healthy eater, have meals together as a family and minimise distractions by keeping screens off the dining table.
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In consultation with Ms Charlotte Lin, Head of Department, Department of Dietetics, and Ms Jocelyn Tan, Senior Speech Therapist, Department of Rehabilitation, NUH.
