Podcast Episode #222
Starting Solids with Kelly Benton
In today’s episode I chat with Kelly Benton and we discuss starting solids for babies.
In particular, we discuss:
– When to start solids
– How to know it’s the right time to start solids
– Introducing the right foods for babies
– Preparing foods for infants
– Important nutrients when starting solids
– How to encourage positive meal times
– Creating a positive feeding environment
– When to seek help
Kelly Benton is a Nutritionist working across the pregnancy, postpartum and paediatric space. After suffering perinatal anxiety, miscarriage, and postpartum depletion along her journey to motherhood, Kelly felt compelled to help others have a better experience.
Her dream is to help women like you feel their best throughout one of the most demanding and rewarding periods of life, so they can spend less time worrying about their health and more time enjoying the moments that matter.
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In this article you'll find tips to:
- Determine the right time to start solids for your baby.
- Recognise the signs of readiness for starting solids.
- Introduce the best first foods for your baby.
- Prepare foods safely and appropriately for infants.
- Ensure your baby gets important nutrients, especially iron.
- Create a positive meal time experience for your baby.
- Develop a positive feeding environment.
- Manage your anxieties and maintain calm during meal times.
- Know when to seek help from healthcare professionals.
- Combine puree and finger foods effectively.
- Offer family meals that suit both babies and adults.
- Use tools and resources like the Solid Starts database for guidance.
Introducing your baby to solid foods is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a daunting task for new parents. In this podcast episode, I chat with Kelly Benton, where we cover everything you need to know about starting solids, including when to start, how to know it’s the right time, and the best foods to introduce. We’ll also share tips on preparing foods safely, ensuring important nutrients are included, and creating a positive feeding environment.
When to Start Solids
The National Health and Medical Research Council and the World Health Organization recommend starting solids around six months. At this age, babies typically show developmental signs indicating they are ready for more than just breast milk or formula.
How to Know It’s the Right Time to Start Solids
Before introducing solids, Kelly Benton suggests ensuring your baby shows the following signs of readiness:
- Sitting Up Well: Your baby should be able to sit up with good support, maintaining stability for the duration of the meal (10-15 minutes).
- Turning Head to Show Fullness: Your baby can turn their head and show when they’ve had enough food, which helps in developing a positive relationship with eating.
- Reaching and Grabbing for Objects: This indicates they are ready to start bringing food to their mouth, a key skill for self-feeding.
- Interest in Meal Times: Your baby watches you eat, mimics chewing, and leans forward to indicate they want to try food.
Kelly Benton’s Suggestions to Introducing the Right Foods for Babies
Start with nutrient-dense, unprocessed whole foods. Here are some excellent first foods for your baby:
- Avocado: Soft, nutrient-rich, and can be served as fingers or mashed.
- Root Vegetables: Sweet potato, pumpkin, and carrots, when steamed, make great finger foods or purees.
- Eggs: Nutrient-dense with protein, iron, and vitamins. Serve as omelette strips or scrambled.
- Oily Fish: Sardines and salmon provide essential DHA and calcium.
- Soft Fruits: Bananas, steamed pears, and peaches are easy to eat and nutritious.
- Purees with Protein: Include lamb, beef, chicken, or plant-based proteins like lentils and chickpeas.
Preparing Foods for Infants
Proper preparation ensures safety and ease of eating:
- Shape and Size: Food pieces should be the length of your index finger and one to two fingers wide to help your baby grasp and eat.
- Texture: Cook foods until soft enough to squish between your thumb and forefinger.
- Support Grip: Coat slippery foods like avocado and banana in hemp seeds or leave part of the peel on.
- Avoid Round Foods: Quarter grapes and cherry tomatoes to reduce choking hazards until about four years old.
Important Nutrients When Starting Solids
Iron is a critical nutrient as stores built up during pregnancy start to deplete around six months. Ensure each meal includes iron-rich foods like meat, legumes, and fortified cereals to support your baby’s growth and development.
How to Encourage Positive Meal Times
Creating a positive meal experience is crucial for your baby’s relationship with food:
- Eat Together: Whenever possible, sit and eat with your child. This models good eating habits and makes mealtime a shared activity.
- Offer Family Meals: Serve the same meals to everyone, adjusting textures and preparation as needed for your baby. This simplifies meal prep and fosters inclusion.
- Let Your Child Lead: Allow your baby to decide how much to eat. This fosters independence and helps them develop healthy eating habits.
- Stay Calm: Maintain a relaxed attitude to prevent transferring anxiety to your baby.
When to Seek Help
If you encounter difficulties, seek advice from professionals:
- Developmental Delays: If your baby hasn’t shown signs of readiness by seven months, consult a GP, pediatrician, or maternal child health nurse.
- Food Allergies or Sensitivities: Seek help if your baby develops rashes or other symptoms.
- Feeding Challenges: If your baby hasn’t transitioned to lumpy foods by 12 months or isn’t self-feeding by 15 months, consult a healthcare provider.
Starting solids is a significant step in your baby’s development. By following these guidelines and tips, you can ensure a smooth transition and foster a healthy relationship with food. If you have any concerns or need further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a nutritionist or healthcare professional.
Connect with Kelly at Feeding the Bump on Instagram for more personalised guidance. Happy feeding!
** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.
Links
Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist
Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts
Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts
FitNest Mama Website
Instagram @fitnestmama
Kelly’s Instagram: @feeding.the.bump
Bookings: https://feedingthebump.as.me/discovery-call
Breastfeeding nutrition freebie: https://feedingthebump.myflodesk.com/breastfeeding
