Introducing Solids Foods To Your Baby While Breastfeeding

In my Lactation Consultant practice, I’ve seen lots of mums starting out on the journey of introducing solid foods while breastfeeding. It’s a phase filled with excitement, questions, and sometimes a touch of worry. You might find your little one reaching that age where curiosity about food kicks in, but you’re also keen to make sure your breastfeeding journey remains strong. In this post, I’ll share insights and strategies to introduce solid foods to your breastfed baby while safeguarding your precious milk supply. Let’s dive in!

As you dive into the world of solid foods with your baby, it’s important to understand that breastmilk should still be the main source of nutrition for your baby until they’re around one year old. Solid foods are introduced gradually, starting around six months, to complement breast milk, not replace it. Think of starting solids as more of a fun learning experience rather than a big nutrition overhaul. Right now, it’s all about your baby exploring new tastes and textures alongside their regular breastfeeds. The focus should be on the experience of eating rather than calorie and nutrient intake (your milk has the nutrients under control!).

Start slow when baby’s ready

Starting solids too fast or giving too much can mess with breastfeeding. If your baby eats too much solid foods before a breastfeed, they might breastfeed less, which can decrease your milk supply. Keeping your milk flowing is super important for you and your little one’s health and development. Going too hard, too fast can make your baby constipated (makes their poos too hard), which can be painful for them. Understanding how to introduce solids while still breastfeeding means your baby gets all the good stuff from breastfeeding while learning how to eat and keeping their tummy comfortable.

When should baby start solid foods?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months with solids introduced from around 6 months. They also recommend breastfeeding to continue alongside solid foods for at least 2 years or beyond.

Before diving into the world of solid foods, it’s essential to wait for signs that show your baby is ready for this next step. Babies are ready for solid foods when:

• Their tongue-thrust reflex disappears (a reflex that makes them push things back out of their mouth with their tongue)
• They have good neck and head control
• They can sit upright with only a little support
• They show interest in your food when you’re eating and maybe even try and grab at your food (though babies try and put all sorts of things in their mouth, so this one on it’s own doesn’t mean they’re ready).

Tips for starting solids while breastfeeding:

1. Choose Your Approach

There are two main approaches to introducing solids: baby-led weaning and purees. Baby-led weaning involves offering age-appropriate finger foods for your baby to self-feed. This lets them explore textures and tastes at their own pace. On the other hand, purees involve spoon-feeding mashed or blended foods. Or, you can do a combination of both! It doesn’t have to be either/or here. Consider your baby’s readiness, and what you feel most comfortable with when deciding which approach to take.

2. Start Slowly

Introducing solid foods should be a gradual process. Start by offering small amounts of pureed or mashed foods, or soft finger foods (a few spoonfuls or pieces is all they need at first). It’s best to do this after a breastfeeding session so bub still gets all those amazing nutrients from your milk as priority (this will protect your milk supply). As your baby gets used to the new textures and flavours, gradually increase how many solid food meals they have each day. Remember to follow your baby’s cues, don’t force it, to make sure they have a positive experience with food.

3. Prioritise Iron-Rich Foods

When you start giving your breastfed baby solid foods, make sure to focus on iron-rich options. Iron is super important for their brain and body development. The iron stores baby was born with start to decrease from around 6 months, so choosing foods that naturally have iron helps with this. Mashed-up meats like chicken or beef; or lentils, tofu, or cooked spinach are good foods to start with. These foods are packed with the good stuff your baby needs to grow strong and healthy.

4. Always Stay Close During Mealtime

During mealtime, it’s crucial to stay close to your baby to keep a watchful eye on them and prevent any choking mishaps. Babies are still learning how to eat solid foods, and they may not have mastered the art of chewing and swallowing. By staying close, you can quickly intervene if your baby shows signs of choking. (Remember, there’s a difference between gagging and choking! Gagging is a normal part of baby learning to eat. Choking is not). Sit with them, engage in mealtime conversation, and be ready to offer help if needed. Safety first!

So, as you start introducing solid foods while breastfeeding, keep it easy and gradual. Your breastmilk is still their main source of nutrition until they hit about one year old. Think of this solid food journey as a fun side dish to their regular breastfeeds. Take it slow, follow your baby’s lead, and keep mealtime a positive experience. If you ever feel unsure or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant for some backup. Enjoy this exciting new chapter with your little munchkin!

If you found this post helpful, I’d love if you would DM me on Instagram with what you took away from it! Happy feeding!