Starting Solids

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Magnolia is just about eight months old and we decided last week would be the perfect time to introduce her to the new world of tastes and textures. Up until this point she has been 100% exclusively breastfed - no bottles, no pacifiers, no cereals, no sippy cups. She's relied solely on her momma's milk since the day she was born. Considering the pain I dealt with in the beginning of nursing her, I am very proud of how far we've come. And I don't see us stopping anytime soon. It's been hard work, but the bond and beauty of our relationship far outweighs the challenges. She pulls from my body to nourish her own. She's grown strong, and beautiful, and intelligent. Not only does she come to me for nourishment she comes to me for warmth, closeness and comfort. Breastfeeding her is one of the most soulfully rewarding things I've ever done in my life.

The World Health Organization suggests that all babies wait until at least six months old before being introduced to solids. Waiting past six months only provides even more health advantages. At the end of this post I'll share a few links to sources of my research about all the health advantages of waiting to introduce solids, along with why we will not be feeding her baby cereal, and why to ditch the sippy cup.

I am making all of her baby food at home with organic vegetables and fruits. I'm referring to this cookbook for recipes and ideas, also I love this baby food blog. I shared on my Instagram stories a few images of her first baby food being made in the steamer and blender. I made organic peas with breastmilk and freshly chopped basil.

She's really not a fan of the baby food yet! Each morning after she nurses she tastes her baby food. Today she did just a little better than the day before.

I keep her doll close by so that we can pretend to feed her. I usually pretend to (and sometimes I actually do) take a taste of her food.

One day she knocked the entire bowl off the tray and her baby food went everywhere! My mornings are a whole lot messier now.

We love our bowl, spoon, and bib from Silikids. The spoons encourage independent eating habits with the textured handle that gives a tactile experience. The bib goes straight to the sink to be washed each morning after she tastes her baby food. The bowl comes with a lid that can be used as a plate, and it can also be used for storage. Silikids have such great products, all of which are a wonderful alternative to plastic.

This was her reaction to her first few tastes of food. Ha!