5 Signs Your Baby is Ready for Solid Food

http://mamanatural.com/ I love breastfeeding Griffin but I was so excited to start him on solid food. I had visions of making homemade pears and squash and Griffin squealing in delight (OK, reality is a little different ☺

I thought 6 months was a great time to start him on solid foods but I wanted him to tell me when he was ready.

Here's how I knew:

1. Baby isn't drooling as much. The first 3 months, Griffin was a drooling machine. Now at 6 months, he's learned to swallow his salvia which means he can swallow food.

2. Baby can sit up without much assistance. This allows the baby to sit in a highchair, positioned well for food swallowing and digestion.

3. Baby shows interest in food. Griffin stares at us when we eat in front of him.

4. Baby starts imitates eating behaviors. Griffin gums, chews, and smacks his lips. Clearly, he's practicing for the real deal!

5. Baby doesn't reject food when you try feeding him. Well, maybe not always, but Griffin generally enjoys tasting all of the new foods. Sometimes, I have to "work it" to get him to swallow but he gets there.

How about you? When did you start your little one on solid food and how did you know he/she was ready? Share with us mamas!

Category:

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Tags:

• baby food
• eating
• ready
• signs
• drooling
• tasting
• sit up
• interested
• solid food
• squash
• pears
• mama natural
• grocery store

[betosrose]

OH! Also I really rather skip cereal and go straight to homemade baby food. Did you give Griffin cereal at all at the beginning? And I'm kind of confused on how to make homemade baby cereal. Any ideas?

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@betosrose No, didn't give Griffin cereal at all until he was past 1 year old. If you want to make your own, you buy organic brown rice and blend it raw in blender until it's a fine powderish consistency. Then you cook on stovetop with water or broth.

[PDEthan]

I started my son at 7months ensuring his tummy was ready. Sadly, allergic to a certain food group, but we've adjusted and he's a really good eater till this day!

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@PDEthan Sounds like you're a good mama :). XO.

[Blueskywatcher]

I started my little girl at six months and one day. She showed all the signs and we gave her avocado.

[MamaNaturalBlog]

@Blueskywatcher Nice!

[betosrose]

I have a quick question. Alex as 5 weeks early and his doctor wants us to start cereal at 4 months. He has physically caught up to babies his age already and is not showing signs of prematurity any more. But I'm still a bit worried. He is still very drooly but does make chewing movements with his mouth. I'm not sure if I should follow the Dr's instructions, or should I just give it another month...He turns 4 months on the 24th.

[aussiezahra]

I started my little girl at 4m just on baby rice as she was pre trem ! And her weight did not Match her age ! ( she can sit up almost on her own with a little help , i have jought a high chair to help her to sit up on her own ! She loves loves dinner time ,Now she is 5m old and loving rice and fruit and some veg !

[XxxJustinBieberxx1]

funny face ! lol :D Nice Video :D

[blackstarr5]

Heheh. Brendan HATES avocado! We've tried it several times, no go.

[Harveyiscool1234]

That is wierd