It is time for baby's first food

[epdeans]

Hello, I am the mom of a 3.5 month old baby who seems ready to eat solidy food. I want to make my own food and was wondering if you had any suggestions and ideas for us?

Thanks for reading,
Elizabeth in NC

[hildare]

Hi--
I, too, had a young one who seemed to be really interested in food. However, it's really not recommended to feed solids before 6 months. I got some good ideas from other mamas on MDC, though, and made some breastmilk (or if you're using formula, try that) frozen slush for baby to experiment with.
Introducing solids before 6 months can cause lots of problems, but the milk seems to satisfy the urge to play with food.

[blueridgewoman]

I think a lot of babies go through a phase around 3-4 months where they genuinely seem interested in solids and really want to eat, but I found (with my daughter at least) that it was just an extension of the fact that she wanted to explore EVERYTHING within reach at that age.

Honestly, it's probably not a great idea to feed a 3.5 month old solids, in my honest opinion.... Generally, signs of solid-readiness include the baby being able to sit on his/her own, use a pincer grasp to hold food (that's thumb and forefinger), etc. Six months seems like its really the minimum. I know my daughter didn't really get interested in solids as a nutrition source until she was about 18 months old. We started introducing her to them around 8 months or so, but she really wasn't that into it besides as another toy.

[epdeans]

After posting my prior post and scoured the internet and requested some books from the library.

I have decided that I am NOT going to feed our son quite yet. It did not even occur to me that he wants to experience everything with his mouth. I thought that he was indicating that he wanted to eat. DUH.

I am still learning and I am so thankful that I have this discussion board and all you smart in tune ladies.

Thanks again,
Elizabeth in NC