Starting Solid Food

At six months, Rahul starts eating mashed fruits and cereal for the first time, as Anita carefully introduces solid food alongside milk.

Meanings in Anita, Rahul (baby), Paediatrician

Key words and phrases

weaningthe process of introducing solid food to a baby's dietWeaning usually begins around six months.

mashed foodfood crushed into a soft, easy-to-eat formShe gave him mashed banana for the first time.

cereala soft, easy-to-digest food made from grainsRice cereal is a common first food for babies.

allergic reactionan unwanted response of the body to a certain foodWatch for any allergic reaction to new foods.

spoon-feedto feed someone using a spoonShe spoon-fed him slowly and patiently.

appetitea desire for foodHis appetite for solid food is growing.

puréefood that has been blended into a smooth pasteCarrot purée is easy for babies to swallow.

introduceto bring in something new for the first timeThey introduced one new food at a time.

high chaira raised chair for a baby to sit in during mealsHe sat happily in his high chair.

messyuntidy, especially from food or playFeeding time was quite messy at first.

biba cloth or plastic covering worn to protect a baby's clothes while eatingPut a bib on him before you start feeding.

gag reflexa natural reflex that stops food from going down the wrong wayA little gagging is normal as his gag reflex adjusts to new textures.

finger foodsmall pieces of soft food a baby can pick up and eat aloneSoft banana pieces make good finger food.

texturethe feel or consistency of foodStart with a smooth texture before moving to lumpy food.

portion sizethe amount of food given to someone at one timeKeep the portion size small at first.

teethingthe process of a baby's teeth coming through the gumsTeething can make him fussy about eating.

nutrienta substance in food that provides nourishment for growthIron is an important nutrient at this age.

constipationdifficulty passing stoolNew foods can sometimes cause mild constipation.

bottle-feedto feed a baby milk using a bottleShe still bottle-feeds him in the evening.

picky eatersomeone who is selective and fussy about what they eatHe is turning into a picky eater lately.

Useful sentences

Ask When should we start weaning him?
Answer You can start around six months of age.
Ask What food should we introduce first?
Answer Start with mashed banana or rice cereal.
Ask How do we know if he has an allergic reaction?
Answer Watch for rashes, vomiting, or unusual crying.
Ask Should we give one new food at a time?
Answer Yes, that helps identify any allergies easily.
Ask Is it normal for feeding time to be messy?
Answer Yes, that's completely normal at this age.
Ask When can we start giving him finger food?
Answer Once he can sit up well and grip small pieces.
Ask How large should each portion size be?
Answer Just a spoon or two at first, then increase slowly.
Ask Could teething be why he refuses to eat?
Answer Yes, sore gums often reduce a baby's appetite.
Ask What if he becomes a picky eater?
Answer Keep offering variety without forcing him.
Ask Can new foods cause constipation?
Answer Sometimes, so make sure he drinks enough water too.

Dialogue

AnitaDoctor, is Rahul ready to start eating solid food?

PaediatricianYes, at six months you can start weaning him slowly.

AnitaWhat should I give him first?

PaediatricianStart with mashed banana or a simple rice cereal.

AnitaShould I watch out for anything?

PaediatricianYes, introduce one food at a time and watch for allergic reactions.

AnitaWhen can I start giving him finger food?

PaediatricianOnce he can sit up steadily and grip small pieces himself.

AnitaHe has been refusing food lately. Could teething be the reason?

PaediatricianYes, sore gums can lower his appetite for a few days. Just keep offering variety without forcing him.

Common mistakes

Saying "give solid to baby" instead of "give solid food to the baby" or "feed the baby solid food."
Saying "he is allergic from this food" instead of "he is allergic to this food."
Saying "start weaning from six month" instead of "start weaning at six months."
Saying "he is teething from yesterday" instead of "he has been teething since yesterday."
Saying "give him small portion of food" instead of "give him a small portion of food."
Saying "he don't like this food" instead of "he doesn't like this food."

Quick quiz

1. What is "weaning"?

2. Food blended into a smooth paste is called a ___.

3. Complete: "Watch for any ___ to new foods."

4. Small soft pieces of food a baby can pick up and eat are called ___.

5. What is "teething"?

6. Complete: "Put a ___ on him before you start feeding."

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