We mothers all know the importance of breastfeeding and the recommendation that the first six months of life be exclusively breastfed1. But, even knowing the real need and importance of this, many still prefer to trust their instincts and offer foods prematurely. That’s why we decided to clarify doubts about introducing solid foods before 6 months, along with all its pros and cons.
Before deciding to reduce breastfeeding, I have a suggestion: I recommend scheduling a pre-consultation with a breastfeeding specialist to receive personalized and appropriate guidance for your needs with your baby. Click here to learn more!
Babies in their first year of life need even more special care, as they are totally vulnerable and dependent on parents and caregivers. Proper nutrition allows them to receive all the nutrients they need to grow and develop appropriately2. And at the top of the list of proper nutrition is breast milk, which is the food richest in nutrients and also provides antibodies to the baby, making it indispensable and essential for optimal development. After the sixth month of life, breast milk no longer provides all the necessary nutrients, which is why the introduction of new foods begins to complement their nutritional needs. The introduction of solid foods should begin at six months gradually, where juices and fruits are offered alternately to introduce flavors to the baby and observe for possible allergies to the food. After introducing fruits, vegetables and greens are added to the menu, and only after trying them all individually they can be offered together in purees and soups. Preparation should also be separate from the rest of the family’s food, without seasoning and with textures that are easier to swallow. The consistency should also be progressive, starting as thin soup, then puree, then mashed with solid pieces, until reaching the family’s usual food.
Is Early Introduction Harmful?
Even though exclusive milk feeding is an international recommendation by the World Health Organization, some pediatricians break from this guideline and advise introducing solid foods before 6 months. But what could happen if I do this early introduction? Are there health risks to my baby? Or should we just ignore these doubts and follow the famous saying “my grandma raised 12 children and at 4 months gave them rice, beans, and polenta, and they are alive”? Many studies were conducted before this guideline was established, comparing babies exclusively breastfed to those introduced to solids before 6 months. It was concluded that babies who received food before completing six months were weaned early and stopped receiving such a nutritious and important food. Many cases of diarrhea caused by these foods were also observed, directly affecting the baby’s development. In these cases, there was also a higher number of asthma and atopic dermatitis occurrences, since this protection would be provided through breast milk.
For women who work outside the home, considering that maternity leave in Brazil lasts on average four months and it is advisable to breastfeed until 6 months, you can express breast milk using hand expression or a pump and offer it in small cups or bottles. If the baby is not breastfed and is using formula, know that all formulas in Brazil are approved by ANVISA. They are safe and contain the necessary nutrients for the baby’s development. Therefore, the period for introducing foods is the same, starting from the 6th month of life.
How to Start Introducing Solid Foods?
Pediatricians usually follow an order for introduction, where fruit juices are offered first and then mashed fruits3. In the morning, between the first feeds, offer a small amount of fruit juice, starting with 30 ml. It can be given with a spoon, a small cup, or a bottle if the baby already uses one. Do not add sugar or water and choose less acidic, sweeter fruits such as sweet orange, which is well accepted by babies.
IMPORTANT: Many babies may experience constipation or diarrhea when starting on solids. Therefore, it’s recommended to offer the same food for 2 or 3 days to observe possible reactions.
Fruits and Vegetables
Usually, the first tastings are not well accepted, but over time they get used to the flavors, and their palate adapts. Offer the same juice for 2 or 3 days until they get accustomed and to look for allergies or reactions. In the afternoon snack, offer scraped or mashed fruit; the best options to start are apples, pears, silver banana, banana nanica or apple, and these can be offered with a small spoon. Start with a small amount, just enough to taste, and as the baby gets used to the flavors, they’ll show a preference for a certain fruit. It’s easy to know when the baby is full: they will close their mouth and refuse to eat more. Gradually introduce each fruit separately and offer each one for 2 or 3 days. In this way, in a month, it is possible to start offering vegetable purees.
Preparation
Once the baby is used to juices and fruits, start introducing purees made from vegetables and greens. Remember: no seasoning and very little salt, as babies need to taste the natural flavor of each food, and seasoning is not necessary. Start by offering mixed vegetable purees, tubers, and greens at lunch. In the beginning, you can blend them in a blender or cook and strain them through a sieve. Over time, the baby gets used to the texture, and you can start thickening the soup with small pieces. Meats should be avoided at first, as they are harder to digest, and should only be introduced after a while. Did the baby accept lunch well? Dinner can also be introduced! If the baby doesn’t like a certain food, try offering it again a few days later, as the reaction might change. After the baby gets used to purees, introduce small pieces of beef or chicken to enrich the flavors. Introducing solids at the right time will supplement the nutrition needed for the baby’s proper development, since up to the first year they need extra attention and care. It is during these first years that eating habits are established, so offer the healthiest foods possible, as this will make all the difference in their lifelong eating habits. See also: Soup Recipes for Toddlers Photos: Papillas Sanutri
