This week our beautiful boy turned 6 months. Up until now he has been exclusively breastfed, but this week we will begin introducing solids to our baby.
Each time that we reach this stage of our children’s lives, I always refer back to a great list that I received from my Maternal and Child Health Nurse. The list is over 10 years old and as such has solids being introduced as young as 4 months, contrasting to new advice which recommends waiting until baby is 6 months old before introducing solids.
I have modified the list with new information and incorporated it in the table below. All of the children are incredibly excited about the prospect of the baby eating food. I have tried to explain that for some time there will be lots of mess and not much eating, but it is very sweet that they are so interested. Babaganouski is already talking about letting me mash up some of his banana, so he can “feed baby all by myself”. It will be fun to see how this goes.
Introducing Solids To Baby
6 – 7 Months Pureed / Fine Mashed 1 – 2 Meals | 7 – 9 Months Mashed / Minced 2 – 3 Meals | 9 – 12 Months Chopped / Finger Food 3 Meals |
| Rice Cereal | Oats Cereal | SUPERVISE |
| Pumpkin | Wheat Cereal | Fresh fruit pieces |
| Potato | Mixed Cereal | Rusks, Crusts |
| Zucchini | Chicken Fish | Bread, Toast |
| Carrot | Beef, Lamb | Butter, Cheese |
| Apple | Yoghurt ,Custard | Margarine, Vegemite |
| Pear | Peas, Beans | Pork, Tofu |
| Banana | Rice, Lentils | Salmon, Tuna |
| Kiwi Fruit | Soup (foods tolerated) | Celery, Cabbage |
| Broccoli | White/Cheese Sauce | Cucumber, Green Pepper |
| Cauliflower | All stewed fruit | Liver, Brains |
| Avocado | Grated apple & pear | Herbs and spices |
| Parsnip | Egg Pasta (see below) | Smooth peanut butter |
| Broth | Introduce Cup | Cows milk ONLY on cereal |
4 comments...read them below or add one
I only just noticed on the weekend that I still have a list (not as good as the one you have posted here, mind) sitting amongst the clutter on the fridge … and now my boys are 2 and 4! My list also recommends 6 months for starting solids, but my girlfriends with 1 and 2 month old bubs are now being told 4 months again. Go figure!
Have fun with your puree advenures!
Have you heard of “baby-led weaning”? http://www.rapleyweaning.com/ This is a better concept of letting the baby decide when he is ready, and skipping the puree part. As an answer to the last comment, we say 6mths is the best time, but as babies aren’t all the same, some are started a bit eralier if they are ready. Refer to NHMRC guidelines that can be found on the Raising Children website, or refer back to your MCHN if unsure.
Can’t believe he is up to eating food. My kids get liver and brains all the time…..not. Cant wait to hear about the white weekend xox
Leisl – It does seem to change a lot for what is the time to start to introducing solids.
Bec – Thanks for the link, I will check it out.
Cath – He is growing up way too fast. We had a fantastic time away and thanks for the loan of the snow gear for me!