How do I know if my baby is ready for solids?
By Dawn Winkelmann, M.S, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist & Feeding Specialist for ezpz
Transitioning your baby from breastfeeding or formula to their first solid foods marks an exciting, yet often stressful, milestone for many parents.
Luckily, we've created a guide to help ease this transition. In this blog post, our pediatric feeding specialist reveals the most telling signs of readiness for introducing your baby’s first bites.
1. Sitting Ability
Your baby should be able to sit without support. This not only indicates physical readiness, but also interest in exploring food.
2. Interest in Food
Wait for your baby to show curiosity about what you’re eating, possibly even reaching for your plate.
3. Mouthing Objects
Ensure your baby is in the habit of mouthing toys, as it’s a precursor to safely exploring and consuming solids.
Pro tip: Our Pre-Feeding Set helps boost your baby’s readiness for solids. This four-piece kit encourages your little one to explore and practice chewing and biting on textures and shapes that simulate real food experiences.
4. Munching Movements
The desire to munch, chew, and gnaw on objects, even without teeth, is a sign your baby is gearing up for solids.
5. Decreased Tongue-Thrust Reflex
A clear sign your baby is ready for solids is when they've overcome the natural tongue-thrust reflex, which involves pushing food out of their mouth. This development indicates they can now keep food in their mouth and start to swallow it.
Remember, each baby's path to solids is unique. Patience and careful observation are essential, whether you're assessing readiness or adjusting for a preemie. By waiting for the right signs and creating a nurturing environment, you ensure a smooth, joyful, and ezpz transition to solid foods.