When To Introduce Solids
It might be hard to tell if your baby is read to introduce solids, but BabyCenter offers some cues:
• Head control
Ability to keep head in a steady, upright position
• Losing the "extrusion reflex."
To keep solid food in his mouth and then swallow it, baby needs to stop using tongue to push food out of mouth.
• Sitting well when supported.
Baby needs to be able to sit upright to swallow well
• Chewing motions.
Baby should be able to move food to the back of mouth and swallow, you may notice less drooling and baby may also be teething around the same time.
• Significant weight gain
Most babies are ready to eat solids when they've doubled their birth weight (or weigh about 15 pounds) and are at least 4 months old.
• Growing appetite
Baby seems hungry — even with eight to ten feedings a day
• Curiosity about what you're eating.
Baby may begin eyeing or reaching for your food
How To Introduce Solids
It's generally suggested begin with rice cereal, which is gluten-free and less allergenic than other foods. After rice cereal is accepted you can introduce strained or mashed fruits and vegetables, and after that its time for finely chopped table foods, including meat and other protein sources. Each solid should be introduced gradually, one at a time, waiting at least three days after each new food. This will give clear indications to any sort of allergic reaction.
To Cook Or Not?
There is a pretty big movement away from the jar baby food towards more organic and home-cooked meals. While this may actually be best for the baby as it removes all preservatives and (often unecessary) added sweeteners, colors and flavors ... how the heck am I going to cook for Brooke when I cant even cook for myself? At almost 3 months and already at the recommended weight for introducing solids, I have a feeling we will be moving to them sooner than later. I want to do whats right for her, but becoming a full-time Baby Chef was not in my plan :)
I have seen a lot of great reviews of the Beaba Babycook, which many swear makes cooking for baby almost as easy as opening up one of those jars. The Babycook is an all-in-one steamer, blender, warmer and defroster. If I'm going to become Brooke's Personal Chef, you better believe some sort of all-in-one tool is going to be necessary ;)For a better idea how this contraption works, check out the video on Williams-Sonoma.
