Is Baby Ready for Sweet Potatoes?

If you notice your baby staring fondly as you finish your dinner, chewing along before you swallow, it may be time to introduce solid foods. Most doctors estimate 4 – 6 months before your baby’s digestive system is able to break down food, but here are a few questions you should ask yourself before giving your baby solids.

• Is your baby big enough?

Gaining body weight is a sign of a healthy baby. About twice their birth weight is a good indicator your baby is ready for solid foods.

• Can your baby sit up on their own?

Your baby should have good head and neck control for them to be able to properly ingest solid foods. If their head is still wiggling from side to side, hold off on the solid foods for a while longer!

• Is your baby full?

A healthy appetite is always good, but your baby needs to be able to recognize being full so they don’t over-eat. When your baby has had enough, they may turn away and refuse further feeding. Self-regulation is a definite sign your baby is ready for solid foods.

• Will your baby swallow solid foods?

When an unknown object enters your baby’s mouth, their tongue is programed to thrust outwards to be rid of it. This is the tongue-thrust reflex. It allows your baby to drink liquids without the chance of chocking on foreign objects. As your baby ages, this reflex will become weaker until they are finally able to swallow solids foods.

Every baby is different when it comes to being ready for solid foods. One could be eating at an early age, another could take a few months longer, and another could keep tongue thrusting for 7 months! There is no rule of thumb.

While all of these signs are excellent indicators, nothing is 100% accurate. A dietary plan should always be discussed with your pediatrician to make sure your baby is ready for solid foods.