knowing when your little one is ready for food
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@Bria thank you, see my daughter hasn’t shown any signs like that so perhaps maybe she’s not ready x
@Emily yeah I wouldn’t push it. She will definitely let you know. But there also isn’t any harm in just putting it in front of her if you all are eating as well to make her feel included. Just remember that they don’t NEED solids right now
Next time she shows interest in what you are eating offer her a taste or some to play with. At that age they really only take a taste or two at a time.
We tried broccoli today too and my little boy puts everything in his mouth but that broccoli was going nowhere near 🤣
@Maria have you tried any other foods that he’s liked or just starting out? maybe it’s just broccoli that’s the issue😂😂
@Emily today was the first time we tried any food! Except for when I accidentally dropped Nutella on his face which he loved ....
I don’t think they need to show signs. I would put a purée directly on the highchair tray and let her play with it and hopefully some will get in her mouth.
Broccoli is not the best one to start with - mine sobbed when he first held a piece lol Try avocado, root vegetables, and bananas to start, just put it in front of them and you eat your own portion in front of them too. Solid Starts app is great for serving suggestions by age.
Broccoli has a strong smell and flavor so that’s not surprising. Avocado is a popular first food to try or steamed carrots, or bananas.
In those early weeks, you won't know. Stick to a schedule. Just offer one 'meal' at the same time until they actually start eating it. When I say meal - I generally mean a taste of something - start with veggies. Try a different one everyday for a couple of weeks. There's no rush honestly! They will generally just play with food to begin with and this isn't failing - its all part of it!
Baby is ready when- 1. They can sit up on their own 2. They show signs of interest in food 3. They can bring a piece of food to their own mouth 4. They can swallow food and not just spit (tongue thrust reflex is gone) It's all new and some babies just like solids less than others. Don't mistake a baby not wanting to eat something, or gagging for 'not liking it'. That is something learned and how adults think, not babies- they are just taking it all in and it's a lot. It can take 10-20 times trying them with a food before they even will taste/ accept it. Don't give up, repetition is key. Some babies aren't really 'into' food until 12+ months- they are all different. You are doing the right thing starting on bitter veg! 6-10 months is when they are most receptive to new flavours so you are setting her up for a good start. A lot of people give mostly fruit and root veg first because most babies will like them, and that just reinforces a preference for sweet things. Solid Starts is a great app for BLW!
To answer your first question of how will you know: with our daughter, she would follow our utensils with her mouth open and then smack like she was eating. With our son, 😂 you ever watch the movie Friday? If so, think of the character Deebo and put him in baby form. That’s my son me when he sees anything edible. I started both of them at 4 months and that’s how I knew. As far as the broccoli and cauliflower, give a week or two and revisit. When I gave my daughter broccoli for the first time, I cooked it like I cook mine (a little bit of butter and a little bit of lemon pepper to give it a better flavor) and I used the ones with the long stalks