Contents:
- Medical Video: Is Your Baby Ready For Solid Food? - Philips Avent Pakistan
- The characteristics of the baby are ready to be given MPASI
- Don't be confused with the following features!
- It's safe, wait until the baby is six months old
Medical Video: Is Your Baby Ready For Solid Food? - Philips Avent Pakistan
If you are thinking of starting to introduce solid foods or solids to your baby, there are some signs that can be seen to help you determine when the time is right. Know these signs so you don't give them too early.
The characteristics of the baby are ready to be given MPASI
Your baby may be ready to eat solid food if he:
- Can hold his head. Your baby should be able to maintain a stable head position to eat his first meal.
- Can sit with support. You may have to lap your baby first. High chairs can be used after he can sit alone.
- Make a chewing motion. Your baby should be able to move food behind your mouth and swallow. As your baby learns to swallow efficiently, you may notice that he is less likely to drool than usual. Maybe he already has one or two teeth.
- Have a healthy weight. Many babies are ready to eat semi-solid food when they have reached 2 times their birth weight. This happens around the age of 6 months.
- Intrigued by what you eat. When you are eating, he often tries to take the food and tries to put it in his mouth.
- Have good hand and mouth coordination. Can see, take, and put food into his own mouth.
Don't be confused with the following features!
Many parents are fooled by fake signs from the little one. Some of the habits of the baby below are often misinterpreted as a sign that your child is ready to be given MPASI, so that parents give solid food too early before their time.
Some signs that are often misinterpreted as baby's readiness include:
- Chewing on a fist
- Wake up in the middle of the night when he usually falls asleep
- More breastfeeding
It's safe, wait until the baby is six months old
Even if you see signs your baby is ready to eat his first meal, it's a good idea to wait until the baby is around six months before starting.
Waiting for up to six months to give your baby the first meal will protect his health. This reduces the chances of babies developing allergies or getting infections from food, because at the age of six months the immune system and digestion are stronger.
It is important to wait six months especially if there is a history of allergies or celiac disease in the family. Celiac disease is triggered by gluten in wheat.
If you plan to start solid food in your baby before 6 months, consult your doctor.
