So, your baby is almost 6 months old! Where did that time go? Now it’s time to consider introducing solids to their diet. This can be a very exciting and nerve wracking time. But how do you really know when your little one is ready to introduce solids?
Whilst it is an important milestone in their development, it is crucial to ensure there are ready both physically and developmentally. The truth is that there is no one age that a child is ready. Some babies may be ready at 5 months, others after 6 months. Fortunately, there are some things you can look out for to help you determine when the right time to explore solids might be.
1. Good Head and Neck Control
Your baby needs to be able to hold their head steady while sitting. This is important for safe swallowing and ensures they can manage the physical demands of eating solid foods.
2. Sitting Up with Little Support
If your baby can sit upright with minimal support, it shows they have the core strength needed for swallowing solids and managing food safely in their mouth. If your baby tires when sitting after 3-4 minutes and leans forward or to the side then they would benefit from more time to develop physically.
3. Interest in Food
Babies often show interest in what you’re eating. If your baby is watching you closely during meals, reaching for food, or mimicking chewing motions, these are good signs that they may be ready to try solids themselves. Introducing small tastes of your food can further increase interest in your baby.
4. Loss of the Tongue-Thrust Reflex
Babies are born with a natural reflex that pushes food out of their mouths. Around 4 to 6 months, this reflex begins to fade, making it easier for them to manage and control food on their tongue and swallow it.
Now that your child is displaying the skills above and is showing signs of readiness for solids, it is a good idea to consider optimal positioning for feeding. There are so many high chairs in the market with a variety or features and price tags. Some of the features I look for as an OT are:
Upper back support
A high chair should adequately support your child’s upper back in an upright position and not be reclined.
Feet support
A solid base of support for your child’s feet is often overlooked by many parents, yet is one of the most critical features to consider in a high chair. Your child’s feet should be supported so they are flat and knees bent at 90 degrees. This allows for optimal postural control to support them during meal times particularly when they fatigue. If your high chair doesn’t have feet support then you may be able to purchase an attachment to go with your high chair to add this on.
Adjustability
Your baby will grow and develop very quickly and so purchasing a high chair that will grow and adapt with them as they get taller and heavier is critical. I also like the option of removing the tray table so that when baby is older they can be pushed up to eat at the table with the rest of the family fostering further bonding and connection as a family.