Firstly, follow your baby’s cues, they will let you know how they want to eat. Some baby’s love being spoon fed initially & some go straight into soft finger foods. You can also combine the two methods. As long as your baby is meeting their nutritional requirements & you are comfortable with the method of feeding, all is well.

Keep offering a variety of foods so they become more & more familiar. Sometimes it can take 10 or more tries before a baby accepts a new flavour or texture. 

Your baby will naturally favour sweetness so keep offering flavours such as bitter, sour, salty & spicy, this will help broaden their palate.

For the first six months your baby does not need any complementary foods or beverages other than breast milk or formula. Once baby starts solids you can start offering sips of filtered water from an open cup, this can help keep baby hydrated & prevent constipation. Just be mindful that water does not replace milk feeds.

Once you start introducing solids you can expect to see some changes to your baby’s bowel motions. You may notice undigested food, changes in colour, smell & shape. 

If your baby has hard pellet like poop, straining with no bowel motion or a distended abdomen it’s likely they’re constipated. 

-Avoid offering food too early.

-Only offer a taste to begin with, go slowly.

-Avoid fortified rice cereals, both the iron & rice may cause constipation.

-Include high fibre fruits like prunes & pears.

-Include good fats like ghee, olive oil & coconut.

-Offer fermented foods like kefir, yoghurt & sauerkraut.

-Offer sips of filtered water.

Follow up with your health care provider if you need further assistance.

Babies tend to go through a sleep regression around 4-5 months of age, this can be misinterpreted by hunger. We recommend starting solids when your baby is showing the signs of readiness. Remember your baby is getting everything they need from breast milk or formula until they are developmentally ready for food.

Nutritionally rich broth can be used to thin out puree, it can be served in an open cup to sip on, it can be the base of your family meal that is suitable for baby.