In what order are solids introduced?

[littleberlin]

Thank you so much for all your replies ladies! The ABA booklet sounds like a good idea, as does the NHMRC. Does anyone else get lost on the WHO website, though? It's a labyrinth!

I'm probably being a bit of a stickler unnecessarily; I just thought it would be good to know of the recommendations now that we are moving beyond vegetables and fruits. Now I'm dreaming of making meat-based stews and breads and things - so exciting! The handout our MCHN gave us suggested waiting until 9-10 months to start on bread, but I wonder if this has less to do with digestive readiness and more to do with the fact that traditionally self-feeding doesn't happen until around that time. Maybe I will do some bread-baking, too! Has anyone tried spelt rather than wheat bread? I wonder if that might be more easily digested (and healthier, too)?

[Barb Glare]

Hi,

I just marvel at how complicated we make solids. I don't think the WHO guidelines have changed. The funny thing is, since the guideline has been to introcuce solids at 6 mnths, much of the locally produced info has not changed. The reason for delaying solids until 6mnths was b/c prior to that the baby's system could not really deal with normal foods. At 6 mnths they can - so they can really have any normal family food. This includes meat, cereal, vegies etc. Most cultures introduce a stew consisting of meat, legumes, vegetables and cereals - and babies do great! As Manta says, there is no benefit in delaying any solid unless your family has a history of food allergies and intolerances.

[Ozziehoffy]

As Manta says, there is no benefit in delaying any solid unless your family has a history of food allergies and intolerances.

Barb, does that mean it doesn't matter about doing the egg white/yolk separation to start with?? I know I gave Oskar whichever one it was first but he just doesn't particularly like the texture of egg at all so he doesn't really eat it. He had peanut butter before the "recommended" age. I think it's just more I know he's going to try to feed Elijah once he knows Elijah is allowed to eat food lol and I don't want to have to worry about it all and just let him share his food.

[Barb Glare]

egg is fine (proviso - no egg allergy in the family!)- just try a little at a time.
BTW, great Baby Led solids article, by the woman who coined the phrase, Gill Rapley, coming up in the next Australian Breastfeeding Association mag - Essence. Common sense, cuts right through all the stress and other guff- it's worth joining ABA just for the article. I think the next Essence comes out in November.

[MantaRay]

Cass, yes as Barb said both egg white and egg yolk are now considered fine for babies without a family allergy history, from 6 months. Even peanuts - but not whole nuts due to the chokng risk - again it's different if there is a family history of allergy.

I know what you mean too - DS2 had everything earlier than DS1 because he just grabbed things from his brother's plate (or hand!) and ate them!!

[Ozziehoffy]

Oh sounds good Barb, thanks.

MR... I know Oskar is just hanging out for Elijah to "eat" lol. He keeps telling me that he is going to help feed Elijah. We have no allergies that we know of - only one is I think gluten or wheat intolerance and that's Andy's grandmother. Oskar has been fine with everything though.

[MantaRay]

Thanks so cute Cass. Big brothers love helping out!!