Lets talk solids! Ways to know your baby is ready.

As you can imagine introducing solids to your baby's diet is an exciting and very messy experience.

So when can you begin your baby on solids?
As many of you may know you can begin your introducing solids to your baby's diet from 4 months, until then breastmilk or formula is the only thing your baby needs.

It is so important to get the timing right. Some mums believe that larger babies need solids sooner and some mums like to prolong it for as long as they can to exclusively breastfeed. 

Our Thomas was born premature and very small and at 17 weeks old I am now introducing solids slowly because he is showing all the right signs which include; holding his head, reaching out for food, watching us when we eat and being able to perform the tongue action of pushing puree to the back of his mouth. 

You can also introduce solids too late and then your baby is at risk of lacking vital nutrients. Also your baby is at risk of being a fussy eater or finding it difficult to chew or push food to the back of their mouth. Introducing solids too early and affect your breastmilk supply and your baby can also then be missing out on the nutritional value of breastmilk.

There are four clear signs your baby should of developed which will let you know that your they are ready to begin solids in their diet.
1. Your baby should be able to hold their head up and sit in a high chair.
2. Your baby should be able to open their mouth wide when you offer them food.
3. Your baby should be able to turn their face away when they have had enough.
4. Finally your baby should be able to keep food in their mouth and not push it straight back out.