Q&A Starting Solid Foods Safely Banner

Q&A: Starting Solid Foods Safely

August 16, 2023 Infant
Q:

How will I know when my baby is ready to start eating solid foods?

A:

Your baby is ready to eat solid foods when they can hold up their head, sit up with support and shows interest in your foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests starting babies on solids around 6 months of age.

Q:

How much food should I feed my baby?

A:

Your baby may only eat a taste at first; the amount they eat will increase gradually. Remember, your baby is in charge of how much to eat — don’t force them to finish what’s in the bowl or on their plate.

Q:

Should I keep chest/breastfeeding my baby once they start solids?

A:

Yes! The AAP recommends chest/breastfeeding for at least a year or longer. Your baby will still get most of their calories from human milk (or formula). Since they may fill up on human milk, offer the solid food before they nurse.

Q:

What is a good first food for my baby to try?

A:

Start with iron-rich foods like pureed meats and iron-fortified cereals.

Q:

How will I know if my baby is full?

A:

Watch your baby to see if they are pulling away, closing their mouth, or leaning back. An older baby may push food away or start playing with their food.

Q:

My friend’s son has food allergies. How do I make sure my baby doesn’t get food allergies?

A:

Give your baby one new food at a time.
Wait at least a few days between introducing another new food to watch for signs of allergy. If you mix foods, you may not be able to figure out which food is causing the allergy. Research shows that continuing to chest/breastfeed when introducing gluten-containing foods can lower a baby’s risk of developing gluten intolerance (also called celiac disease). Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

Be sure to share these tips with anyone who helps take care of your baby!

Side Lying Hold

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Cross Cradle Hold

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football Hold

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Breastfeeding Holds

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Breastfeeding Holds

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position