Help with "meal" timings - first tastes, really

[Lozzapops]

Hi there,

We have just started introducing solids to our daughter. So far we have aimed to give her a little portion of mashed/puréed fruit or veg once a day. A "good" time to do this, in terms of milk feeds, naps etc is lunch time, typically around 12ish. For the first couple of days she took to it really well. However, for the past few days, she has really not been up for it at lunchtime, having a tiny taste, and then turning away. I've not pushed it, but have then gone on to try a bit later in the afternoon. At this time (around 3:30 or so), she is a lot more receptive, and she has eaten a full (small) portion.

I guess my question is, how so I move forward once she gets more established on solids? I understand that at the moment it is about getting used to tastes, textures, etc, and not about getting much nutrition. But once we start introducing another meal, I feel quite confused about timings. 3:30 is too late to be lunch, but too early to be tea!

I will continue to offer at lunchtime (but accept that she may not want it then) - which "meal" should I try to introduce after that? I would be inclined to say breakfast, because if she isn't eating til 3:30, she unlikely to want any tea.

Has anyone else had things go like this? Howndid your meal times get more structured?

Thanks in advance. Never thought I would be worrying over what time to give a few spoonfuls of flippin carrot!

[Gerty1002]

For the first month or two I don't think specific 'meal times' really matter. If you introduce breakfast, and as LO eats bigger portions, they will start to want less milk and perhaps drop a bottle. It gets easier as you are able to space out bottles and meals a bit more and they start to associate solids with hunger. HTH.

[Gerty1002]

Also some days she may just be hungrier than others, and things like teething can interfere too.

[SmallBee]

No advice but watching with interest as I'm starting first tastes on Saturday!

[WhispersOfWickedness]

We just offered if they were awake at our mealtimes, food is supplementary at this early stage so it didn't matter if they weren't up for it. We did BLW though, so not sure if that makes a difference, since they didn't eat anything significant until 8 or 9 months anyway!

[JuniperTisane]

Breakfast is a nice time to start when you're ready to have regular mealtimes, about an hour after milk. I always found my babies more receptive in the morning when they were wide awake and not particularly hungry. After the first week or two you might find its easier all round to just sit baby in the highchair whenever you eat and let her try things while she sees you eat and not worry overmuch whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner.

[Lozzapops]

Apologies for not thanking those who replied to me! I completely forgot I had started this thread, doh! We had almost a two weeks break from any solids, as baby was poorly with a cough/cold and also teething, and just wasn't interested. We have recommenced, and I now have even more questions, so will be starting another thread shortly! (And will remember to respond to any comments!)