From Milk to Solids

Taking the plunge from straight milk to solids can be slightly frightening for a new mommy! Trust me, I was Frrreaked out! Sure, the pediatrician gave me a few guidelines… but I’m the type that likes things spelled out CLEARLY, ya know? I hunted and researched and found something that I fully believe in. It’s quite lengthy but it’s logical & sound. Having followed it (with modifications bc he had serious allergies) – I can attest it’s trust worthy.

Weston Price’s Theories & Sequence for Introducing Solids
How to Make Your Own Baby Food

*Disclaimer: Please take these as suggestions that I recommend. In no way am I a doctor or claim to be a professional. The following stages are foods I used and tips I found helpful.

Transition from completely smooth to chunkier purees

– veggies
– fruits
– oatmeal w/applesauce
– yogurt mixed with fresh chunkier pureed fruit
– black or pinto beans (blended but left chunky)
– meats & fish (blended but left chunky)
– blending whatever you’re eating but leave chunky

Expose baby to “whole” softer foods in mini sizes

– raspberries
– bananas
– peaches
– plums
– melons
– kiwi
– chunks of avocado
– scrambled eggs and/or hard boiled
– soft cheeses & cottage cheese
– dehydrated fruits/veggies (break smaller)
– clementines (cut smaller)
– roasted veggies (cut into mini size)
– carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, zucchini, squash

Tips!!! At this stage it’s easy to feed more fruits bc they tend to be softer. But exposing your baby to as many flavors & foods in this stage helps keep baby “open” to more foods later.

Begin combining foods & textures (keeping all foods bite-sized)

– foods from previous stage
– oatmeal w/applesauce, bananas, 1 T plain yogurt, and flaxseed
– whole wheat or spelt bread w/cream cheese & herbs
– quinoa with small diced veggies & cheese mixed with italian dressing
– hummus with small roasted veggies
– scrambled eggs with cheese, diced ham, & green onion
– steamed edamame
– whole wheat waffles with almond butter & bananas
– brown rice, shredded meat, & guacamole
– meatballs (see recipe in archives)
– tortilla w/cheese, lunch meat, & diced tomatoes

Tips!!! Just bc you think baby won’t like it shouldn’t be reason not to offer it. I’ve found that my baby eats EVERYTHING bc he’s been exposed to everything. If he doesn’t like it; I don’t force it… but I don’t give up either. I try the rejected food a few weeks later & at times, he’s learned to like it!

By this stage baby is deciding his food needs to look identical to whatever you’re eating. He’s telling you he’s ready… so do it! Plus it’s a sure way to ensure you’re eating healthy balanced meals too – knowing whatever you eat baby eats! I’d recommend plating food at the table with baby watching. Then make him/her own version by cutting pieces into appropriate sizes. Now if the food is eaten with a spoon I’m still feeding it to him at this point. I haven’t crossed this bridge yet. But anything solid is his own fingered territory!

Tips!!! You’ll notice baby will be able to handle larger food size as he can hold it. He’ll be able to ration the food into appropriate bites if the food is a size that’s manageable to hold. Spear-like shapes (1 to 4 inches long & 1 inch thick) helps baby eat independently. Cutting foods into this shape helps.