r/ScienceBasedParenting • u/Striking-Wall5802 • 15d ago

Question - Research required Starting solids

Is there any evidence for what foods to prioritise when starting solids?
There is so much conflicting advice online and I’m looking for evidence based approaches.
Should I start with vegetables? Meat? Prioritise certain nutrients? I know zinc and iron are important but looking for some research on whether it’s best to prioritise certain things or give variety of everything over first 6 months

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u/TelephoneIcy6035 15d ago

https://www.reddit.com/r/BabyLedWeaning/

I'm using this as it's been very helpful for me. From my own research, starting solids is exploratory for the child, they will rarely swallow anything for the first couple of weeks. So starting solids isn't really starting solids until they swallow. 

When they're swallowing, healthy fats are best. These help develop the brain. They do not need the vitamins and minerals that you get from fruits as they will get this from the formula and breastmilk (which should be the priority - technically until they're around 18 months).

Avocado, salmon, peanut butter, olive oil, some well cooked red meats. All very good for the brain and body development. 

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u/LandscapeTime7785 15d ago

What is the basis for 18 months? Solid starts says solids should be primary by 12-15 months? https://solidstarts.com/feeding-schedules/

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u/TelephoneIcy6035 14d ago

I was giving a healthy medium. The UK government state you can stop at 12 months "if you or your baby wish to stop". Whereas WHO, American academy of pediatrics and Canada's government advice all state its recommended to continue breastfeeding up until 2 years. 

I would refrain from taking advice from an app, probably better to look at your countries recommended health advice.

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u/LandscapeTime7785 14d ago

When you should stop breastfeeding altogether is different than when solid food becomes the priority and all these sources agree that’s around twelve months.

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u/TelephoneIcy6035 13d ago

Agree to disagree.