When should my child start with complementary foods?
October 17, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Benjamin Meier
Dear pediatrician,
My name is Verena Netz and I am thinking about when my child should start with solid foods. My son is now 5 months old and I have exclusively breastfed him so far. However, he is showing increasing interest in our food and seems to not be getting full anymore. I have heard that it is important to start with solid foods at the right time to promote healthy development.
I am concerned about whether my child is ready for solid foods and if I am doing everything right. I want to make sure that I give him the best possible nutrition to support his growth and development optimally. Are there any signs that I can recognize that he is ready for solid foods? Should I start now or wait a little longer?
I would like to know which foods are best suited for starting with solid foods and how I can best make the transition from breastfeeding to solid foods. Is there anything specific I should pay attention to in order to avoid possible allergies? How often should I offer solid foods to my child and how can I ensure that he gets enough nutrients?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice. I only want the best for my child and am grateful for any support you can give me.
Sincerely,
Verena Netz
Dear Verena Netz,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a pediatrician. It is understandable that you are concerned about when the right time to start introducing solid foods to your child is. It is important to observe your child's needs and signals in order to make the best decision.
In general, it is recommended to start introducing solid foods between the 4th and 6th month of life. So, if your son is now 5 months old and showing interest in food, this is a good sign that he may be ready to start eating solid foods. Another sign that your child is ready for solid foods is if he can hold his head up securely, sit independently, and show interest in food and watching parents eat.
When starting solid foods, it is important to start slowly and give your child time to get used to the new tastes and textures. Suitable foods for the start include vegetable or fruit purees, milk porridge, or cereal porridge. It is best to start with a small amount and gradually increase the quantity and variety of foods offered.
To avoid potential allergies, you should avoid allergenic foods such as nuts, peanuts, dairy products, eggs, and fish in the first months of introducing solid foods. Introduce these foods gradually and individually into your child's diet to observe any possible reactions. If you are unsure, you can also speak with your pediatrician about any potential allergies your child may have.
It is important to ensure that your child receives enough nutrients. Offer solid foods regularly and observe how your child reacts to them. In addition to solid foods, it is still important to breastfeed your child or give them formula milk to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.
I hope this information helps you and gives you confidence when starting solid foods for your child. If you have any further questions or uncertainties, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Benjamin Meier
