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Expert Q&A

	By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant

How do I actually feed my baby solid foods? Do I do it at mealtime? In a highchair? Does it matter?

Before you give any meal, it is important to breastfeed first. The solid food is only an addition to breast milk, the best food in the world.

Start slowly, just a teaspoon or less of each new food, and then you can observe your baby for any type of allergic reaction. By starting one new food a week, you can carefully observe for signs of allergy: sand-paper rash on the face, hives, runny nose, watery eyes, diarrhea, constipation, crankiness or gassiness and bloating. This is particularly important if there is a family history of allergies on either side.

If all goes well, a new food can be added each week. If there are signs of problems, that food should not be offered again for a few weeks. You might want to keep a food diary to help you remember any reactions that your baby has to a new food.

I remember at an early La Leche League meeting hearing a leader say, "Never wheedle, force or cajole your baby to eat!" These words were kind of catchy and have stuck with me all these years. It is important to offer a variety of foods to your baby, but if Baby gives you "stop signs" such as turning her head, pushing the food out of her mouth or fussing, it is time to move on to another activity.

Hungry babies will usually eat. In most cases, they will automatically balance their diets if offered the right foods. They will also learn to stop eating when they are no longer hungry – something many adults have forgotten how to do. Adults have been taught to finish what's on their plates, and they will eat until that time and ignore the cues their stomach sends about satiety. Just like when they are full with breast milk and babies come off the breast, babies will also naturally "come off" the plate when they are done with eating solid foods.

If you are using the jarred food, watch your baby and not the jar. Just because it's there doesn't mean it is the right amount for your baby at this meal.

Mealtime should be pleasant and unhurried. You don't have to be on a strict schedule with meals. Be flexible and you will teach your baby flexibility, too. The process of beginning solid foods is a natural progression. When done with care, it is easy. Think of it as a time of learning for both of you as you learn to creatively plan healthy meals for your baby and your whole family.

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