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Expert Q&A
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| By Melissa Clark Vickers International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Moms & Babies Huntingdon, Tenn. | ||
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My daughter is 6 months old and has started solids. I am not sure how to breastfeed and give solids. Do I let her nurse first and then give solids or vice versa? How many times do I nurse a day and how many times do I feed solids in a day? Help!
The secret to starting solids with a breastfed baby is to remember that at this point your baby is still getting most of what she needs from your breast milk. Nothing can compare to that nutrition! Solids at this point are really as much sensory experiments as they are nutrition. And at least initially, if your baby is hungry, she isn't going to understand that solid food will take care of her hunger pangs.
So, with all that in mind, pick a time during the day that you normally nurse your daughter, and that she's awake and happy. Nurse her first, at least enough to take the edge off her hunger. Then offer her something simple like a mashed banana. You can even put some on her high chair tray and let her play with it. Chances are, some of this will find its way into her mouth, and you'll probably get a surprised look from her!
Don't worry about ""filling her up"" on solid food. She'll take what she needs. At least to begin with, just give her solids during one meal time. If she's really excited about eating with the family, it's okay to offer her a little more at other times, too. Just keep in mind that you want her to get most of her nutrition from you still.
It is best to only offer one new food a week. This allows you to make sure she's not allergic to anything you give her. Soft fruits and cooked vegetables make excellent first foods. Hold off on giving her any cow's milk until after her first birthday -- especially if there is anybody in your family who can't tolerate cow's milk.
She will gradually begin eating more and more solids and naturally cutting back on the breastfeeding. Watch her for cues!"
Related Expert Q&A
- How do I actually feed my baby solid foods? Do I breastfeed after he finishes eating? How much do I give him?
- Can you tell me what foods are good for a baby just starting solids?
- When should I start my baby on solid foods?
- Breastfeeding is the perfect food, so why do I have to feed my child solids before the age of 1?
- Now that my baby has started solid foods, what will happy to my milk supply?
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