So when should we begin feeding solids? The world health organisation recommends children should not begin until at least six months of age, and le leche league (A breast feeding support group) suggests a more relaxed 'sometime in the middle of the first year.'

Once a baby is able to sit with support, and has developed the muscles needed for swallowing, they are ready to try solids. This can happen anywhere from five to nine months. The baby's primary source of food for the first year should be breast milk or formula.

Many parents decide to give children solids earlier, hoping it will help their child sleep through the night. However, comparative studies have shown that introducing solid food makes no difference to a baby's ability to sleep.

Once you have established that your baby is ready to try solids, it is important to select a good first food . Studies are beginning to show our increased reliance on instant baby cereals and rice may be contributing to increases in allergy rates. Therefore, there is a shift to return to begin with fruit and vegetable purees.

Good foods to try are vegetables such as sweet potato and pumpkin, or fruits like banana. Naturally sweet foods appeal to a baby's palette and encourage them to eat. Additional flavouring such as sugar and salt are unnecessary.

Only very small amounts of food are required when you first begin. Take a week to introduce a new food, so you can easily notice any sensitivities. Some foods can cause reactions such as nappy rash, a runny nose or unsettled nights.

Let your baby play with his food a little. Children learn by touching and tasting; a little playing is to be expected. Place a little food on the high chair tray for them to touch and swirl about in their fingers.

Starting solids should not be thought of as an opportunity to compare your child's development with another. Likewise starting solids early is not a sign of great intelligence or cleverness, and delaying their introduction may help reduce the advent of allergy later on in life.

Article by Rachel Goodchild

Feeding Baby

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