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Once you’ve made it through breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a mix of both, next comes the decision about which method you'll use to feed your baby their first solid foods. The debates surrounding infant feeding are arduous enough, and nobody wants to spark another mommy war. That's why it's important to talk to your pediatrician about which cereal is best to start with, whether to forgo cereal for self-feeding, and how to handle potential allergens.
"Like with almost any parenting decision, there are very few black-and-white answers," says Dr. Krupa Playforth, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of The Pediatrician Mom. "What works for one family or child may not work for another.
Feeding your baby solids is an exciting milestone, and there are many issues to consider. Be prepared to discuss your particular journey with your pediatrician, so you can keep the joy in this stage of motherhood.
Get to know your feeding preferences
Before heading to your pediatrician's office, do some research on the various methods of feeding your baby solid foods. Questions to ask yourself should include when you want to begin introducing solids. Experts recommend a range between 4-6 months old for babies to start moving beyond breast milk or formula.
Once you’ve decided when to introduce solids, you can research the methods your friends and family used or those you’ve read about. These methods include baby-led weaning, self-feeding, or the good old-fashioned airplane full of peas by mom and dad. While doing your research, pay attention to the list of skills your child should have before attempting a certain method, or the suggested age for introducing certain foods. Lastly, be sure to understand the red flags associated with any potential allergic reactions, choking hazards, and effects of delayed motor skills.
When talking to your pediatrician, you'll want to have a general knowledge of the various methods in case you have specific questions or don't agree with your doctor's suggestions and want to talk through an alternative. Know what you do and do not agree with so you can make an informed decision.
Prepare for the discussion with your pediatrician
Your child will have multiple appointments before you have to decide on feeding. In these appointments, you can let your pediatrician know that you want to discuss feeding methods when the time is right. Help prepare them by sharing your research and the desire to talk through the options.
By giving your medical provider a heads-up, you're letting them know that this will be a full conversation and that you may or may not accept their recommendation. While they are professionals in babies, you are the professional of your own baby and should feel comfortable knowing that you are making the decision for your baby.
"If you are not comfortable telling your pediatrician something, then it’s probably not a right fit," says Dr. Playforth. "Your pediatrician wants to know what’s going on and to be supportive."
That said, be open to alternatives
Before the appointment where feeding solids will be discussed, you may have already decided on one particular method. This could be from your own previous experience with older children, best practices written about on your favorite mommy blog, or simply your own beliefs. However, hearing from a medical professional can bring up some possible points that you hadn't considered or that may be more applicable to this particular child — remember each and every baby is different.
“Lots of parents will think there is only one way to do it, and that’s not true," says Dr. Playforth. "Be willing to pivot if things change."
Make the choice, and alert your pediatrician once you've decided
Because you're going to see this pediatrician again, let them know what choice you made when deciding on the feeding method. There might be things they caution you about, or they could introduce you to a helpful food chart and ways to find other resources for recipes in each food category. They can even offer support in case you hit a roadblock.
If you're unsure of how to move through each food category, talk through a routine with your pediatrician to ensure you're introducing foods safely. Have confidence that you're taking all the steps in this important decision, and make sure your team and village are all on the same page. This includes any medical professionals.
Introducing solid foods is going to be a messy step for sure! Once children realize that real food tastes great and feels fun between their fingers, there is no going back. Go through this milestone with (relative) ease by staying up to date on all your options and trying out what will work best for your child.
