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Like all significant milestones in your baby's development, it is an extremely exciting time when your baby makes the transition from milk to solid food. However, it can be tricky knowing exactly when this change will take place, particularly if you are a new parent. How old should your baby be before you introduce her to solids? How do you even begin? What are the types of food to start off with? If you're asking these questions, read on for some useful tips to help you in your baby's next phase.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="7/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>The right time</strong>

Each baby is unique. Although experts suggest the right time to be between 4 and 6 months of age, the best indicators would come from baby herself. As a rule of thumb, your baby should be demonstrating certain physical and cognitive signs of readiness. This includes being able to hold up her head and neck steadily, sit up well (as you support her), and weigh more or less double her birth weight. She may also appear to want larger and more frequent feedings, and she may pay increasing attention to what you are eating, wanting a taste of it herself.

<strong>The right way</strong>

Begin by nursing or bottle-feeding your baby as usual. Then, using a soft-tipped plastic spoon, bring a small amount of food to her lips. The key here is to allow her to adjust to the new smell, taste and texture of her meal.

Don't worry if your baby rejects it at first. Be patient and try again at the next feed or in a few days. Remember that the transition to solid food is a big step for her, so take it slowly. Once she discovers the delights of solid food, she will certainly be clamouring for more!

Another important point to note is that if you are trying it out during her first year, milk or formula remains an essential part of her diet. Solid food at this stage is meant to complement, rather than replace her milk or formula feedings.

<strong>The right food</strong>

There are no right or wrong foods to start baby off with. Some parents report great success in introducing rice cereal or oatmeal mixed with milk for the first time; others, pureed fruits and vegetables such as bananas, pears, sweet potatoes and carrots.

Whichever you decide to go with first, bear in mind that it is a trial period for both you and your baby. Introduce one type of food at a time and have fun watching your baby's reaction to each of them. You'll soon discover more about your baby's preference for certain foods over the rest.

<strong>The right tools</strong>

When your baby is able to sit up unaided, inject some excitement during meal times by sitting her in a high chair, and giving her a bib as well as a set of plastic bowl and cutlery. This way, your baby will be encouraged to not just assume the correct posture, but to also practice her hand-to-mouth coordination as she learns to feed herself.

<strong>Constant vigilance</strong>

Starting your baby on solids is a truly remarkable phase and you should enjoy every moment of it. Nonetheless, it is equally important to be mindful of potential choking hazards. Always sit her upright during feeding and ensure that she is able to chew and swallow properly before introducing her to larger and/or harder pieces of food.

Look out also for signs of allergy and hold off feeding your baby certain foods such as honey, peanuts and whole cow's milk, among others until she is older. When in doubt, always consult your paediatrician for professional advice.

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如同宝宝成长的所有重要里程碑，宝宝从喝奶进入吃固体食物阶段同样也是令人充满期待的兴奋时刻。然而，正确掌握这个变化发生的时机可能有些棘手，尤其你恰好又是新手爸妈。你到底应该在宝宝几岁时才尝试喂食固体食物？你该如何进行？初次喂食应该选择什么类型的食物？如果你对这些问题心存疑问，阅读下列有用建议帮助你家宝宝顺利进入下一个人生阶段。

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="7/12"][vc_column_text]<strong>正确时间</strong>

每个宝宝都是独一无二的存在。虽然专家建议喂食固体食物的正确时间为宝宝4-6个月阶段，但最好的指示还是来自于宝宝本身。以经验法则作为参考，你的宝宝应该展示出某些她已经准备就绪的生理性或行为认知迹象。这包括可以自主挺直头颈部、可以坐直（在你给予支撑的时候），以及体重增加或减少（大约等于出生时的两倍）。另外，她也可能需要更频密进食或进食份量增加，同时她也可能对你吃的食物感兴趣并想要自己试吃。

<strong>正确方法</strong>

首先如同往常般使用瓶子喂食，接着使用软性塑胶汤匙将少量食物放在她的嘴唇边。关键是让她可以有时间适应新的食物气味、味道和质感。

若宝宝在开始阶段抗拒，不必太过担心。保持耐心在下次喂食时或几天后再度尝试。记住！转换至固体食物的过程对宝宝而言是重大过程，所以应循序渐进。一旦她发现固体食物的美味，她一定会吵着想要更多！

另一个重要关键是，如果你在宝宝出生后第一年尝试喂食固体食物，牛奶或配方奶粉仍然必需是宝宝饮食中的重要组合。在这个阶段，固体食物应该是添加副食品，而不是完全取代牛奶或配方奶粉喂食。

<strong>选对食物</strong>

让宝宝开始吃哪些食物并没有对或错。有些父母发现，初次喂食选择米糊或燕麦混合牛奶成功率很高。其他选项则包括水果蔬菜泥，例如：香蕉、梨子、番薯和红萝卜。

无论你选择哪些食物作为初次喂食，请记得这对你或宝宝都是尝试期。每次喂食一种食物，然后享受观察宝宝对每种食物反应的乐趣。你很快会发现宝宝明显更偏爱某些食物。

<strong>慎选工具</strong>

当宝宝可以在无需支撑情况下坐直，不妨在喂食时间增添一些新意，例如：让她坐在高椅上、穿上围兜，甚至是准备一套塑胶碗盘餐具。这样一来，不但可以鼓励宝宝学习正确坐姿，也可以在她尝试自己进食时锻炼从手到口的协调能力。

<strong>保持警惕</strong>

喂宝宝固体食物是一个非常重要的阶段，你应该尽情享受每个瞬间。与此同时，随时注意可能发生的噎食意外。每次喂食记得让宝宝坐直，喂食比较大块和/或坚硬的食物之前，确保宝宝已经懂得正确咀嚼方法及可以吞咽。

另外，时刻保持警惕留意宝宝是否对某些食物过敏或有所抗拒（例如：蜂蜜、花生及全职牛奶）直到宝宝年龄渐长。若有任何疑惑，请咨询小儿科专科或专业建议。

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