i. Introduce solids when your baby is most alert and happy.
ii. Be cheerful and relaxed. If your anxiety is obvious, your baby might refuse the new food.
iii. Don’t force your baby to have the new food.
iv. Try a flat butter spreader to feed, so that the baby can easily scoop out the contents.
v. Try thinning the solid until your baby gets used to it and is more experienced in swallowing food.
vi. Try some variety by adding curd, fruit juice etc. to the solid food. Start with a spoonful and work up to a normal feed. Your baby will like the gradual changes.
vii. If your baby refuses solids inspite of variety, do not force-feed. Stop the solid for a couple of weeks and then try again. Meanwhile, consult your doctor.
viii. Introduce only one new food at a time. Stick with that food for a few days before starting another one. This way, you will know which food is the cause of any allergy.
ix. If your baby wants to feed himself, put a spoon in either of his hands and feed with a third spoon. Your baby will imitate what you are doing and will soon
feed himself.