How to Start Solids

Introducing solid food safely and in a baby-friendly way

Introducing solid food is an important developmental step for babies and presents many parents with problems: When is the right time? What can I offer my baby? How can I make sure my baby is doing well? There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the introduction of solid foods. However, with the right approach, starting your baby on solid food can be an exciting adventure for the whole family. This book is your guide to successfully introduce solid food safely.



Baby-led weaning: Introducing solid food for your baby – pureed or not

In contrast to the classic “step-by-step solid food plan with baby puree” for introducing solid food, this book recommends a needs-oriented start to solid food. The basic idea is that you don’t need to follow a rigid plan when introducing solid foods, but rather pay attention to your baby's needs and offer more variety. To this end, various concepts (baby-led weaning, purees, etc.) are presented and supplemented with recipes for healthy baby food and baby-friendly finger food.



The most important basics about starting solids for babies

If you are looking for information on a modern and individual introduction to food complimentary to nursing/formula, you will find it in this edition. Practical step-by-step instructions, combined with sound nutritional knowledge and the latest scientific findings, ensure an optimal start to solids. Everything you need to know about introducing complementary feeding is in this book. Among other things, the following topics are presented:

• Knowledge of the introduction of solid foods


• Signs that your baby is ready for solid foods


• Introducing solid foods with pureed food


• Introducing solid foods baby-led weaning style


• Suitable and unsuitable foods


• Feeding and independent eating


• Baby-friendly nutrition


• Nutrients and allergies


• Equipment needed to start solid foods


• Complimentary food preparation and storage


• A balanced baby plate


• Frequently asked questions about starting solids

Recipes for the first four weeks

In addition to detailed information on starting to wean your baby, you will find numerous tips on how to implement this and baby-friendly recipes. A 4-week step-by-step plan guides you through the first four weeks of introducing solid foods – whether pureed or not. You will receive precise instructions on how to gently and individually introduce your baby to solid food. The recipes have been carefully put together and can be prepared quickly and easily. Food lists and additional variation ideas make preparation easier for you and ensure an optimal start to solid food.



Not a “normal” baby guidebook

This book about modern complementary feeding is not your typical parenting guidebook with glossy photos and incomprehensible theory – it is a collection of proven methods combined with practical knowledge and healthy complementary feeding recipes. The layout of the book was deliberately kept minimalist; unnecessary explanations and images were avoided. This is not only sustainable and environmentally friendly, but also promotes a focused approach: The focus is on nutritional strategies and baby-friendly recipes.



Introducing solids made easy – modern, simple and safe!

This practical guide makes starting solids a breeze. Franka Lederbogen, a nutrtitionist and trained specialist in baby-friendly complementary feeding, provides an overview of the most important rules, answers the most frequently asked questions and shares her best recipes for starting solids. The mother of two knows what challenges the introduction of complementary feeding entails – and how to overcome them. In this book, she shares her many years of experience and presents her nutritional concept for an individual and safe start to solids.