The majority of their nourishment and energy will still come from breast milk or newborn formula. Feeding your infant a range of meals starting at roughly 6 months of age, in addition to breast or formula milk, will help prepare your child for a lifetime of better eating.
Your baby can eat the same meals as the rest of the family, just in smaller amounts and without salt, sugar, or spices at this age. As they get older, you can gradually give them more and different kinds of food.
Signs your child is ready for solids
At about 6 months of age, there are three telltale signs that indicate your baby is ready to start eating solid foods in addition to breast milk or infant formula.
Your baby will be able to:
a. Look at, pick up, and put food in their mouth on their own,
b. Maintain a stable posture while sitting,
c. Coordinate their eyes, hands, and mouth.
You may misinterpret the following behaviors as indications that your child is ready for solid foods:
a. Night wakings that are more than usual
b. Needing more milk than usual
These are all typical baby behaviors and not necessarily indications that the baby is starving or ready to begin solid meals.
Your child won’t be any more likely to sleep through the night if you introduce solid meals. A little additional milk might occasionally be helpful until they are ready for solid meals.