Starting solids
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I’m a pediatric physical therapist and I usually recommend my parents/patients wait until baby is sitting hands free independently! This is so we are using the mouth, neck and abdominal muscles necessary for proper chewing, swallowing and digestion to lessen issues with gagging, choking, etc. If we can’t sit upright in on our own, we aren’t in optimal position to digest those solids! :)
I started blw at 6m with my first, I was told we can start purées at 4m w my second but waited until 5m and then did blw at 6m
We just had our 4m appointment and the dr said if you start make sure it’s at a time you can be consistent with it. You can’t start them with foods and do it for 3 days and then decide you don’t have time, so to make sure you’re committed to it if you start now
I started solids at 7.5 months, my daughter just wasn’t ready for even baby rice. Now she’s 9 months eating 3 meals a day and 3 bottles. There’s no harm in waiting til your baby is actually ready for it and they then pick it up very easily. Just to add to an above comment: don’t get your expectations up if you think solids will make your baby sleep better. My daughter is full but still sleeps badly, because she’s a bad sleeper nothing to do with being hungry 🙈
I personally wouldn’t start on purées, my friend did this and now her baby won’t accept food with lumpier textures. I waited until 6 months and my baby was ready for the lumpier food straight away
I started my LO at 5.5 months old. Honestly they say that solids before 1 is just for the baby to get the idea of eating and getting into the habit. Main source of nutrients is from milk until 1yo. Yes if there is a weight problem they should start solids before 6 months after speaking to the doctor. Most people start at 6 months as it’s recommended. Others say that starting before 6 months can cause problems with digestion and gut. Only good thing about started solids is that baby is full easier and sleeps better especially at night. Follow your instincts and do what makes your and LOs life better.