When to Introduce Solids
When Hanky Pank was about three months old, I started to come out of the newborn haze and realize it was time to start thinking about a little more than nursing, sleeping, and changing diapers. One of the first things that came to mind was introducing solids, but I had no idea when I should do so. It seemed like a basic question, but I found the answer is one of those annoying “it depends.” Every baby is different so starting solids depends on the baby. Such as parenting I suppose.
Here are a few signs Hanky Pank was ready to start solids:
- Size – He had doubled in birth weight and was over 13 pounds.
- Head and Body Control – He had good control of his head and was capable of sitting with support, such as in a high chair or booster seat.
- Coordination – He could grasp or hold onto objects.
- Interest – He showed interest in food, such as watching me eat or reaching for my food. He even started smacking his little lips while I was eating. So cute!
This occurred when Hanky Pank was about four months old. We’ve been lucky that he loves, loves, loves eating. But I was told it could be as late as six months old. So you may try introducing solids and find your baby does not want to eat solids. It’s ok, just try again in a week or two. I promise, they won’t go to kindergarten with a bottle!
Tell me about introducing solids to your baby. When did you decide to give it a try?