The Mess and Fun of Starting Solid Foods

When you introduce your baby to solid foods, you open a whole new world of smells, tastes, textures and experiences. This is not only a fun learning opportunity but also the start of your child developing a healthy relationship with food. 

When is my baby ready to start solids? 

Your baby is ready to start solid foods when they are six months of age and can: 

  • Sit up on their own with very little help and lean forward 
  • Hold their head up with good control 
  • Open their mouth when you offer food 
  • Turn their head away to refuse food 
  • Keep most of the food you give them in their mouth (they don’t push it out with their tongue) 

Did you know?

  • All babies go through growth spurts and will want to feed more often. If your baby is not yet six months old, they do not need to start solids. Just continue to breastfeed/chestfeed or formula feed your baby on cue to provide the extra nutrition they need. 
  • Starting solid foods before six months will not help your baby sleep through the night. 
  • If you give your baby solid foods before they are ready, they may:
    • Drink less breast milk/chest milk or formula and be at risk for iron deficiency 
    • Have a hard time swallowing food and be more likely to choke 

What is my job? 

Once your baby starts solid foods, you decide: 

  • what foods to offer 
  • when to offer them 
  • where your baby is fed 

Parent Tips

  • Offer food to your baby on a regular schedule. See table below for timing suggestions.  
  • Feed your baby at the table when the rest of the family is eating. 
  • Your job is to offer your baby healthy foods in a pleasant environment. After that, sit back and enjoy the fun and mess! 

What is my baby’s job? 

Babies naturally know how much to eat. Your baby decides: 

  • Whether they eat – It’s okay if your baby seems picky sometimes.  
  • How much to eat
    • Babies will eat what they need to grow strong. 
    • Let your child eat as much as they want and stop when they feel full. This helps them learn to listen to their hunger cues and know when they are full. 

Your baby will tell you they are hungry by: 

  • opening their mouth when you offer them food 
  • getting excited when you place them in the highchair or at the table for meals 
  • leaning towards and reaching for food 
  • becoming upset when the food is taken away 

Your baby will tell you they are full by: 

  • shutting their mouth when you offer them food 
  • turning their head or pushing the food away 
  • getting distracted from eating 
  • crying and fussing to get out of the highchair or away from the table 

Parent Tip

Don’t force them to eat if they don’t want to and don’t stop them from eating before they are full. This allows your baby to listen to their hunger and fullness cues. Babies’ appetites can change from day to day. 

Do I still keep breastfeeding/chestfeeding and/or bottle-feeding my baby? 

  • Continue breastfeeding/chestfeeding, and/or formula feeding your baby on cue.  This is still your baby’s main source of nutrition as they learn to eat solid foods. 
  • Continue giving vitamin D daily
  • If you are breastfeeding/chestfeeding, continue doing so until your child is two years old or older. Breastfeeding /chestfeeding provides many benefits to both you and your child. 
  • For ideas on how to incorporate starting solids with breastfeeding/chestfeeding or formula feeding click here

Getting started – share the experience, show the yum! 

Your baby is learning all about food – how it tastes, smells, feels…if it can be used as paint? It’s going to get messy, but exploring is part of the fun of learning. 

  • Some tips for coping with the mess:
    • Set up a splash mat or bed sheet under the highchair. 
    • Put your baby in the highchair in nothing but their diaper for easier clean up and less laundry. 
    • Sit back, relax and take some photos. 

Your baby wants to do what you do – if you look like you’re enjoying the taste and texture, chances are they will too. 

Include your baby at family mealtimes. Talk with your baby and limit distractions such as toys, telephones and television. 

Now to get started! See our article on What foods do I give my Baby First? 

Quick links: 

Questions? 

If you have a nutrition or food question, call Dial-a-Dietitian Manitoba at 204-788-8248 in Winnipeg or 1-877-830-2892

Choosing Safer Sleep Sacks

Many types of products are available to help your baby sleep and keep your baby warm. Some products are sold as: 

  • sleep sacks 
  • swaddling sacks 
  • swaddle blankets 
  • wearable blankets 
  • baby sleeping bags

Did you know?

Not all products are safe choices for your baby. Some designs can put your baby at risk of choking and suffocating. It is important to dress baby according to room temperature so they do not overheat. 

If you choose to use sleep sacks or other sleeping products, look for ones that:  

  • meet children’s sleepwear flammability guidelines (check the label). 
  • are made from lightweight fabric 
  • fit properly 
  • do not have:
    • drawstrings, ribbons, cords or tight elastic 
    • buttons, snaps or decorations that could become loose and cause choking 
    • a hood, collar, or wrap near the face that could cover baby’s mouth and nose 

The product should: 

  • Be snug around the upper body so the baby can’t wiggle out and the baby’s head does not slip down into the bag. 
  • Not be tight around the chest. You should be able to fit two or three fingers between the baby’s chest and the fabric. 
  • Be loose around the hips so the baby’s legs can bend and move easily.  

Remember: Always follow the manufacturer’s age, weight and length recommendations, and safety precautions. 

Make an Informed Decision on How to Feed Your Baby

Choosing whether to breastfeed/chestfeed or formula feed your baby is one of many big decisions new and expectant parents will make. This information can help you make an informed decision on how you want to feed your baby. 

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding gives your baby the best possible start and is good for you as well. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding is recommended as the only type of food for your baby for the first six months of life. You can continue to breastfeed/chestfeed your baby for two years or longer

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding is more than just feeding your baby. It provides closeness and warmth which helps to create a special bond between you and your baby. This nurturing helps your baby grow and develop. 

Breastmilk/Chestmilk – Nature’s Superfood

Breastmilk/chestmilk provides almost everything your baby needs to grow healthy and strong.  

Breastmilk/Chestmilk:  

  • is easiest for your baby to digest 
  • it is always available and ready to go – no preparation is required 
  • has all the nutrients, calories and fluids your baby needs to grow and develop 
  • changes over time to meet the needs of your growing baby 
  • helps protect your baby from lung, ear and stomach infections 
  • helps prevent allergies, diabetes, eczema, some cancers and obesity 
  • can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  • the only extra thing you need to give baby in the first six months is vitamin D daily

Here is more information on breastfeeding/chestfeeding

Infant formula 

  • Commercially prepared infant formulas are an alternative to breastmilk/chestmilk  
  • Stays the same therefore cannot adapt to your baby’s growing needs 
  • Antibodies are not a component of formula therefore it cannot protect your baby from infections and diarrhea 
  • Powdered formula is not a sterile product 

Some additional steps and considerations for providing infant formula include: 

  • Extra time to sterilize equipment 
  • Extra equipment is required 
  • Formula can be quite costly  

If you have made an informed decision to give your baby infant formula, see our page about infant formula

Tips to Prevent Choking in Children

Babies, toddlers and young children are at higher risk of choking. They like to put things in their mouths as they explore their world. They can choke if food or small objects get stuck in their throat and block their breathing. 

Parents can help prevent choking by keeping small items away from the child and preparing food carefully. 

By learning first aid and CPR, parents can recognize when a child is in danger and respond quickly. 

Common household choking hazards

Small objects

If an object fits through a cardboard toilet paper roll, it can cause a young child to choke. Common household choking hazards include: 

  • coins 
  • balloons 
  • batteries 
  • fridge magnets 
  • beads and buttons 
  • marbles 
  • small rubber balls 
  • bottle caps 
  • Lego, building blocks and other small toys 
  • plastic bags 
  • jewellery, including amber teething necklaces/ bracelets 
  • clothing tags 
  • holiday decorations 
  • puzzle pieces 

Safety tips to prevent choking on small objects: 

Uninflated latex balloons in the foreground with one yellow inflated balloon in the background.
  • Keep small items off the floor and away from children. 
  • Choose toys that are safe for your child by following the age recommendation on the package. See Toy safety – Canada.ca for more information on toy safety. 
  • Toys for older children are often small or have small parts. Keep these toys away from your infant or toddler. 
  • Use mylar (foil) balloons as a safer choice. When these balloons break into small pieces, they do not block a child’s airway. A piece of latex balloon can easily block a child’s airways and stop a child from breathing. Make sure to pick up and throw away broken balloon pieces right away. 

Foods

Some foods are unsafe for children under four, such as:  

  • hard or sticky candies 
  • cough drops 
  • gum 
  • popcorn 
  • marshmallows and gummy candies 
  • peanuts and other nuts 
  • seeds and beans 
  • fish with bones
  • Avoid snacks that use toothpicks or skewers at this age.

Other common foods that cause choking 

  • hot dogs and sausages 
  • whole grapes 
  • raw vegetables and fruit chunks 

Safety tips to prevent choking on foods: 

  • Always stay with your child when they are eating. 
  • Avoid giving hard or gummy candies, nuts or seeds to children under four years of age. 
  • Cut hot dogs and sausages lengthwise into small strips or dice them. 
  • Cut grapes and grape tomatoes into quarters (four pieces). 
  • Grate or thinly slice/chop raw vegetables or hard fruit, such as carrots and apples. 
  • Do not give your child gel candies. 
  • Remove the pits from fruit. 
  • Chop foods with fibrous or stringy textures, such as celery or pineapple, into small pieces. 
  • Spread nut or seed butters thinly on crackers or toast (not soft bread). 
  • Serve boneless fish or remove bones before serving. 
  • Ensure your child is sitting upright and not lying down, walking, or running. 
  • Avoid eating while in a moving vehicle. Your child is at risk of choking if the vehicle suddenly stops, and you will be unable to safely help them if you are driving. 
  • Learn first aid and CPR so you know what to do if choking happens

Did you know?

Water beads can be very dangerous to children if they swallow them or put them in their ears or nose. The beads will swell up inside the body, leading to possibly life-threatening injuries such as intestinal or bowel blockages. 

If you suspect that your child has swallowed a water bead, call the Canadian Poison Centre hot line at 1-844-POISON-X.

If water beads are placed in the nose or ear, seek medical intervention.

Water beads should always be stored in an airtight container out of sight and reach of children, especially those under the age of five.

It is recommended that caregivers of children under five avoid having water beads in their household or classroom, even if intended for an older child or adult use.

If your child is choking, this is an emergency. 

Call 911 or your local emergency number.  

They will send emergency help and tell you what to do until they get there.  

References: 

Keep your young child safe around the house – Caring for kids

Mixed Feedings: Supplementing Your Breastfed/Chestfed Baby

If you are worried about your milk supply talk to a lactation consultant, public health nurse or your health care provider. Sometimes babies need more calories, so you will need to give your baby a supplement. This can be done with expressed breastmilk/chestmilk by hand or with a pump. 

If you are thinking of giving formula to your breastfed/chestfed baby it can further decrease your breastmilk/chest milk supply and could cause you to stop breastfeeding/chestfeeding before you planned. 

It is recommended to breastfeed/chestfeed your baby first, then if extra calories are still needed, to give a top up. If you are supplementing your baby (topping up), it is recommended to try this order of supplementation: 

  1. Your own fresh expressed breastmilk/chestmilk. 
  2. Your own expressed breastmilk/chestmilk that was frozen and has been thawed. 
  3. Baby formula that is cow’s milk based, and iron fortified. 
  4. If you are planning to exclusively breastfeed/chestfeed and you only want to supplement with formula once in a while (not every day), talk to your care provider about types of baby formula that can reduce the risk of cow’s milk allergy. 

Note: Specialized formula should only be used if your health-care provider has recommended it. 

Ways to Feed Your Baby a Supplement

Use an open cup

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baby wearing a hat, feeding from an open cup which is held to baby’s mouth by an adult hand

Finger feed your baby

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thin tube from a bottle of milk attached to adult finger; finger in baby’s mouth)

Use a lactation aid which uses a tube at your breast/chest (also known as supplemental nursing system-SNS). Breastmilk/chestmilk or formula flows from a bottle through a tube that is attached to your nipple so baby can continue to breastfeed/chestfeed.  The baby gets the extra calories they need and the parent’s nipples get stimulated which promotes milk production. 

Formula feeding baby skin-to-skin. For information on skin-to-skin, see Amazing Benefits of Skin-to-Skin

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bare adult torso holding a baby drinking from a bottle

Important information for keeping equipment clean:

Reference:

Infant Formula: What you need to know- A Best Start Ontario Resource

What is Chestfeeding?

As part of the Manitoba government’s efforts to create an inclusive space for all families, we recognize that some transgender (trans), gender non-conforming (GNC) and non-binary individuals identify with the term “chestfeeding” over “breastfeeding” when referring to feeding their children from their bodies. 

The information on human feeding (breastfeeding/chestfeeding) is based on evidence and best practice and is intended to support all families. Respectful language is a first step towards making prenatal, postpartum and parenting health care safe for transgender, GNC  and non-binary people. 

Not all health-care providers have experience working with trans, GNC and nonbinary people. You have the right tell your health-care providers what language makes you most comfortable. 

Including chestfeeding in our communications is one of the ways the Manitoba government provides support for parents of all gender identities and all family structures. 

Our use of inclusive language is also consistent with the La Leche League of Canada. For more information, read their Joint Statement (with La Leche League USA) on use of term chestfeeding

Resources: 

Support for Transgender and Non-binary Parents – La Leche League International 

Why is my baby crying? What can I do?

All babies cry. Crying is how babies tell you that they need something. Some babies cry more than others. Understanding why your baby might be crying can help you soothe your baby. 

Sometimes a baby cannot be comforted, no matter how hard you try. You may feel overwhelmed; many parents have these feelings. If you soothe your baby throughout the day (not just when baby cries), it may help reduce how much and how hard your baby cries. 

A crying baby…

  • is not being bad 
  • is not angry with you 
  • does not mean that you are a bad parent 

Most babies

A chart from purplecrying.info with a bell curve, showing that babies cry most at two months of age (up to five to six hours in a 24-hour period for high criers).
  • start crying at birth
  • cry the most at about two months 
  • start crying less at three to five months 

Why might my baby be crying?

A baby crying with their mouth open.

If your baby is crying and is opening their mouth, they may be hungry. You can try feeding them.

a baby with a grimace on their face

If your baby is making facial grimaces or is straining, they may have gas pain. You can try burping your baby or rubbing and gently patting their back or stomach.

a crying baby lying down and reaching their arms out

If your baby is crying and is reaching out to you, they may need to be held or touched. You can try holding baby to your chest, carrying them in a carrier or sling or gently rubbing their tummy or back.

a crying baby

If your baby is crying and their…

  • ears or calves are very cold
  • skin looks marbled
  • nails or lips are blue

…your baby might be too cold. You can try holding them close to you and adding a layer of clothing. 

A baby with their head down and their hands over their eyes and nose

If your baby is crying and is rubbing their eyes or has droopy eyelids, they may be tired. Try putting baby down for a nap.

 A baby crying with their head turned to the side.

If your baby is crying and keeps looking away, they may be overstimulated. You can try:

  • reducing noise, light and movement
  • taking baby to a quiet room
  • singing or “shushing” gently
A baby lying down and crying as an adult reaches to undo their diaper.

If your baby is crying and has a wet or soiled diaper, they may be uncomfortable or their skin is being irritated. You can try changing baby’s diaper, using a cream if they have a rash or giving some time without a diaper on.

A close-up of a crying baby)

If your baby is crying and is sweating on the back of the neck or has warm ears and calves, they may be too hot. You can try removing some clothing or taking baby to a cooler location.

A baby crying and reaching their arms up.

If your baby is crying and wants your attention, they may be bored. You can try talking, singing and playing with baby or changing their position.

If your baby is crying and wants to relax or be soothed, they may want to breastfeed/chestfeed or may need to suck. You can try:

  • breastfeeding/chestfeeding
  • letting your baby suck on their hand
  • holding your baby skin to skin
  • singing to your baby
  • rocking your baby gently
A baby with closed eyes and a sad expression.

If your baby is crying and just keeps crying, they may just need to cry. You can put on some white noise, like a vacuum cleaner, or try any of the tips above.

You know your baby best.

If you think they might be sick, contact your doctor, public health nurse, or call Health Links – Info Santé anytime at (204) 788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257.

Staying calm when your baby cries

Sometimes a baby will continue to cry even though they are not sick, hungry or needing a diaper change. This can feel overwhelming. Staying calm is the best way to soothe your baby. When you are calm, it is easier to listen and discover what your baby needs. Remember, you’re not alone. All babies go through a crying phase. It won’t last forever. 

These tips can help you relax, stay calm and cope while your baby is crying.

Take a break Gently place your baby on their back in the crib and leave the room. Check on your baby every five to 10 minutes. Your baby will be safe, and you can use the time to calm down. 

Breathe slowlyTake three to 10 long, slow breaths through your nose to feel calmer. 

Call a friend or family member Ask them to come over or talk on the phone. Share your feelings with them. 

Ask for help If you need a break, let your partner, neighbour or family member care for your baby. 

The Period of PURPLE Crying website has lots of good information on causes of crying and how to soothe your baby.        

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary type of diabetes that can happen during pregnancy. When you have GDM, your body cannot produce enough insulin to handle the effects of a growing baby and your changing hormone levels. This causes your blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise. 

You may be more likely to have GDM if you: 

  • are 35 years of age or older 
  • belong to ethnic groups who are at higher risk for GDM (ex: African, Arab, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous or South Asian) 
  • are obese (BMI 30 or higher) 
  • have a family history of type 2 diabetes 
  • had GDM in a previous pregnancy 

How will I know if I have GDM? 

Your health care provider (HCP) will order a “glucose challenge test” when you are 24 to 28 weeks pregnant. 

All pregnant people are screened for GDM during their regularly scheduled prenatal visits

What can I do to manage my GDM? 

  1. Eat foods that slowly raise your blood sugar levels. Some examples are whole grain breads, sweet potato and most fruits. Diabetes Canada recommends eating foods that have a low glycemic index
  2. You can see a dietitian to learn more about healthy eating in pregnancy. 
  3. Aim to gain a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy. The amount of weight that is right for you depends on how much you weighed before you were pregnant. 
  4. Enjoy being active. Aim for a total of 30 minutes of physical activity daily. Check with your health care provider before starting a physical activity program. 
  5. Your health care provider may ask you to check your blood sugar levels at home with a blood glucose meter. 
  6. Sometimes healthy eating and exercise are not enough to manage blood sugar levels. Your health care provider may prescribe medications such as insulin. Your health care team will teach you how much and how to take your insulin at home. 

What can I expect after giving birth? 

  • After giving birth, your blood sugar should go back to normal. Your health care provider will order a blood sugar test at your six week postpartum visit. 
  • Breastfeed/chestfeed immediately after giving birth so your baby’s blood sugar will not go low. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding beyond six months will also protect you and your child from diabetes and obesity. 
  • You are at risk of developing GDM on your next pregnancy. This may mean you will be tested earlier for diabetes in your next pregnancy. 
  • You are also at risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Your health care provider may test you for diabetes more frequently. 

References

Product Safety

Many parents think that if a product is on a store shelf, then it must be safe.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Read more to learn about how to keep your child safe. 

Some products can put your child at risk of choking, burns and poisoning. While cribs and car seats must meet safety standards, most products are not regulated. As a parent, you need to consider if a toy or product could put your child at risk for injury. Infants and toddlers are at risk because they love to put things in their mouths. When choosing toys for your child, follow the age recommendations printed on the package. If older children live in the home, be cautious as their toys may contain small parts that are a choking hazard for young children

Some common products that can cause injury

Colorful building rods assembled into a small structure, with circular magnets at each corner.

Small magnets 

Some children’s toys and other products contain small, powerful magnets. Swallowing magnets can cause serious damage to the inside of a child’s body. 

  • Check your child’s toys for small magnets. Keep these toys away from young children. 
  • Take your child to the emergency department, nursing station or local clinic if you think that they have swallowed magnets.

Button batteries

Six small, round batteries of different sizes

Small batteries are found in toys, greeting cards, hearing aids and some household products. Small batteries can cause burns if your child swallows them or puts them in their ear or nose. Store extra batteries out of sight and reach of young children .

  • Safely dispose of old batteries right away.
  • Choose toys that have a battery compartment that closes with a screw.
  • If your child swallows or inserts a battery in their ear or nose, take them to the doctor, nursing station or local clinic right away.

Four yellow, blue and white laundry pods

Laundry and dishwasher pods 

Laundry and dishwasher pods both contain strong cleaning chemicals. Pods can be poisonous if swallowed. If they leak, the liquid can burn your child’s skin or eyes. These pods are often brightly coloured and squishy, so children may mistake them for candy. To keep your child safer: 

  • Choose other types of detergents such as powder or liquid. 
  • As with all cleaning products, store them in a locked cabinet or drawer that is out of reach of children.
  • If your child chews or swallows a pod, call the Manitoba Poison Control Centre at 1-855-776- 4766 right away. 
a variety of four different silver vape pens and e-cigarettes with five clear bottles containing different colours of vape juice.

Vape juice and e-cigarettes

Vape juice is the liquid that people put into electronic cigarettes.  It comes in flavors such as chocolate, peppermint and fruit, which may appeal to your child. Vape juice may contain nicotine and other chemicals. It will cause harm, and can even be deadly if your child swallows it.  Like cigarette smoke, vapour from e-cigarettes is unsafe for children.

  • Avoid using e-cigarettes indoors or around children.
  • Keep vape juice and e-cigarettes locked up and out of children’s reach

Baby walkers 

These products have caused many severe injuries and deaths to babies. Injuries happen when children in walkers fall downstairs or reach electrical cords and other items that are normally out of reach. Walkers do not help children learn to walk. Baby walkers are banned in Canada. It is illegal to import them, sell them at garage sales or give them away. 

  • If you have a baby walker, do not use it. Use a stationary exercise activity centre instead. 
  • Remove the wheels from a wheeled walker before throwing it away so that it can’t be used by anyone else. 

Amber teething necklaces

These necklaces claim to provide “natural” pain relief that helps soothe baby’s teething pain. There is no proof that they do this. Amber necklaces and other necklaces put babies at risk of strangulation and choking. 

  • It is safest to avoid putting any jewellery on your baby. 
  • Use teething rings or massage baby’s gums to help relieve teething pain. 

Window covering cords

Cords from blinds and other window coverings put babies and young children at risk of strangulation. Health Canada has introduced new regulations that restrict the length of cords and the size of the loops to protect children from this hazard. 

To keep your children safe: 

  • Use cordless window coverings when possible. 
  • Use “break-away” cords or cut the cord so there isn’t a loop. 
  • Keep cords out of reach by using a hook or cleat (T-shaped piece of metal or wood) to fasten them high on the wall. 
  • Follow the window covering manufacturer’s instructions and read all the warnings. 
  • Keep cribs, beds, playpens and other furniture away from windows. 

Safety Tips:

  • Register your products online and mail in registration or warranty cards. That way the company can contact you if there is a safety problem or if the product is recalled. 
  • You can make a report to Health Canada if:
    • You have concerns about a product’s safety 
    • You have had an injury or near miss 

For more information about product safety, visit: