Babies

If your baby is six months old, it’s time to start introducing solids. Here’s how to get started. 

Babies should only be introduced to solids from around six months old, according to World Health Organization guidelines. “It’s about the readiness of the baby: their brain, their gut and their tongue have to be sufficiently developed,” explains Nelia Jordan, a registered dietitian at Mediclinic Lephalale. “The baby must be able to sit upright and move their head from side to side. If they can’t sit up straight, then the chances are good that they also can’t chew and digest correctly.”

Signs your baby is ready for solids

When your baby turns six months, there are several signs that might show they’re ready to start trying solids, says Jordan:

  • They can hold their head up, unsupported.
  • They watch what you eat with interest and open their mouths to mimic you, possibly even grabbing at your food or utensils.
  • They show interest in tasting what you offer and don’t try to push it out with their tongue.

Starting your baby on solids

If your six-month old is starting to display these signs, it’s time to start the messy process of weaning. Jordan has some tips:

  • Let your baby take the lead: "I encourage baby-led weaning. Parents often want a clean, tidy baby, but it’s a good thing if your baby touches and plays with their food. Just watch them during mealtimes to make sure they don’t choke. Use a shallow spoon for feeding.”
  • Don’t rush it: “Weaning is a gradual process – it can take up to a year to introduce all kinds of foods. Sometimes, babies refuse something at first but later start to enjoy it. Other times, they might suddenly stop eating a food they used to love. You must be patient and remember that weaning is not outcome driven. Babies sometimes gag and don’t like things, but that shouldn’t prevent you from offering it to them. Try again!”
  • Introduce allergens early: “You might have heard that babies shouldn’t have common allergen foods (like eggs, fish, and peanuts) until they’re a year old. However, allergy experts have found that introducing these foods early can actually be helpful. I recommend that between four to six months, you dip your finger in allergen foods and let your baby taste a tiny bit, like a little bit of egg or peanut butter. During this window, exposing babies to allergen foods can lower the risk of an allergic reaction.”

Stages of introducing solids

In the beginning your baby should mostly have milk with a little bit of solids. Over time, they’ll have less milk and more solids. Avoid giving honey to babies, as it can contain bacteria that may harm them.

+/- 6 months

Purées and blended foods. Mielie pap is a good option because it’s fortified with extra vitamins.

6-9 months

Food can start to have more texture, like mashes with lumps and soft finger foods.

9-12 months

You can introduce firmer foods, fruit, and plain yoghurt.

12 months+

Your baby can start eating a variety of healthy foods. Cut the food into pieces that are easy for them to hold, but not small enough to be a choking hazard. Offer different foods but try to limit salt and sugar.