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Introducing Solids to Your Nursling

© Jessica Williams

It is perhaps the most controversial issues of babyhood. Whether you breastfeed or not, chances are, you have heard the mixed advice about when to start solids. "I gave you cereal when you were four weeks old," says your mother. "We didn't give Tyler anything but breastmilk until he was ten months old," says your neighbor. If you browse through the many newsgroups and bulletin boards on the Web, you will see the advice ranges widely there, too.

Here are some simple suggestions to help you determine the right time to start solids for you and your baby.

No two babies are alike.

Your little one may become interested in solids much earlier or later than you had expected. By remembering that she is her own person, you can work with both your pediatrician and your family to watch for signs of readiness. Your pediatrician may give you a "general" date of when you should try introducing solids, but unless there is a health reason, don't force your baby to eat according to that time frame. Keep your pediatrician aware of her nursing habits and reactions to food, then let her show you when she is ready.

As a reference point, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least one full year of life for optimal growth and development. They recommend starting solid foods around the sixth month. Many nutritionists recommend waiting until your baby shows signs of readiness before starting solids.

Signs that your baby is ready to try foods are: grabbing your utensils or reaching for your plate, sitting unsupported, and having hand-mouth coordination - but it is important to remember that not every baby will show these signs when they are ready, and some may exhibit these cues and not handle solids well. Again, every baby is different.

Protect your milk supply

Because the milk supply works on a supply-and-demand concept, the more supplements (like solid foods) your baby receives, the less milk she takes. This, in turn, equals less milk production. Because your milk is still the primary source of her nourishment for the first year of her life (solid foods, juice and even water are complimentary to her diet), you must pay close attention to how supplementation affects your milk supply.

The best way to ensure your supply is maintained is to introduce solids slowly. This is good advice whether you are breastfeeding or not because some infants have allergies. Introducing only one new food at a time (every 4-5 days) will give you time to look for a reaction. Your supply will benefit because one small serving a day should not interfere with your baby's nursing routine as much as three large servings a day would.

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