Introducing Solid Foods Alongside Breastfeeding: A Real Experience and Important Tips for Mothers

Introducing solid or complementary foods to infants around the age of 4 to 6 months is a crucial developmental step. At this stage, breast milk alone begins to lose some essential nutrients like iron, while the baby’s stomach capacity grows, increasing the need for solid food.

In a special interview, a mother shared her experience dealing with her infant’s refusal to eat solid foods. With guidance from pediatrician Dr. Mohammed Abu Dawood, she followed several helpful tips that enabled her to overcome this challenge.

Mother’s Experience and Key Tips for Introducing Solid Foods:

1. Offer New Foods When the Baby Is Hungry

The mother started by offering very small amounts of cooked and mashed vegetables before breastfeeding during the daytime when her baby was awake and hungry. This helped her baby gradually accept and increase the amount of food over time.

2. Use the “Finger Food” Method

After ensuring the baby could grasp objects firmly, she introduced slightly firm vegetable slices such as carrot and cucumber, chilled to soothe teething pain. This encouraged the baby to suck and taste the food independently.

3. Place the Baby’s Feeding Chair Near the Family Table

Feeding the baby alongside family mealtime encouraged imitation. The baby began to open his mouth and accept food, moving away from exclusive breastfeeding and constant crying due to hunger.

4. Prepare Carrot and Orange Juice to Stimulate Appetite

Following the pediatrician’s advice, she made a smooth blend of carrot juice and fresh, unsweetened orange juice starting around the fourth month. These juices provide important nutrients:

• Carrots are rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A) that supports eye health and prevents anemia. They also contain fiber to help relieve constipation.

• Oranges are a natural source of vitamin C, which boosts immunity and contains calcium for strong bones, also helping ease teething discomfort.

• Together, they improve digestion and increase appetite.

She offered small amounts of this juice mixture gradually with a spoon.

5. Involve the Father in Feeding the Baby

Based on Dr. Abu Dawood’s recommendation, the mother asked the father to help feed the baby. Studies show babies enjoy feeding from their fathers’ hands and tend to be more cooperative, which helped overcome food refusal.

Summary:

• Offer food when the baby is hungry to increase acceptance.

• Finger foods help babies explore and chew solid foods.

• Eating with the family encourages babies to imitate and accept new foods.

• Natural juices like carrot and orange boost appetite and provide vital nutrients.

• Father involvement in feeding creates a positive and encouraging environment.