Nutrition

How to introduce solids to your baby?

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1. How to get started?

  • Let your baby get used to the spoon before the actual meal

  • Choose a time when your baby is happy and relaxed

  • Have your baby sit upright (ideally in a high chair) to prevent choking

  • Use a soft, shallow, and safe plastic spoon

👉 Start with a very small amount (½ teaspoon) while chatting with your baby. Your baby might spit it out, refuse, or seem confused – this is completely normal.

  • You can offer a light breast or bottle feed before solids to help your baby cooperate better

  • Choose the time when your baby is most interested (morning or afternoon, depending on your child)

  • New foods should be introduced during the daytime to easily monitor for allergies

⚠️ It's normal for babies to eat more some days and less others, or to love a food one day and dislike it the next.

2. Observe your baby's reactions

  • Ready: opening mouth, happy, and cooperative

  • Not ready: turning away, frowning, spitting out food → do not force

👉 It may take 6–10 times (or even 10–15 times) for a baby to accept a new food.

  • If your baby isn't swallowing well yet → it might be the tongue-thrust reflex; wait 1–2 weeks and try again

  • You can try finger-feeding (ensure hygiene) if your baby refuses the spoon

💡 Small tip:

  • Sweet flavors → place on the tip of the tongue

  • Less sweet flavors (vegetables) → place in the middle of the tongue for easier swallowing

3. Tips to make starting solids easier

  • Start from 6 months of age

  • Prioritize soft mashed vegetables and fruits (banana, avocado, pumpkin...)

  • Start with smooth, thin textures, then gradually increase thickness

  • Begin with 1 meal per day, when your baby is slightly hungry and in a good mood

  • Breast milk or formula is still the main source of nutrition until around 1 year old

👉 Don't worry if your baby doesn't like it right away — it takes multiple tries

  • Prioritize clean or organic foods if possible

  • Taste your baby's food (ensure it tastes good)

  • Be flexible according to their needs (babies may eat less when sick or teething)

  • Keep the mealtime atmosphere happy and pressure-free

Conclusion

Starting solids is an important stage for your baby's overall development. The most important thing is not how much they eat, but creating a positive experience with food and building healthy long-term eating habits.

Source: https://www.vinmec.com/vie/bai-viet/tap-cho-be-dam-nhu-nao-vi