Health Tip: Starting Baby on Solid Foods

(HealthDay News) -- It may seem like a daunting challenge to move baby from breast- or bottle-feeding to solid foods.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers this advice to help ease the transition:

• Choose foods with textures that are easier for baby to swallow.

• Start off by feeding baby while sitting on your lap. Then gradually transition to a safe high chair.

• Make sure baby sits in a well-supported, upright position so baby can easily explore the food.

• Make sure baby sits up straight and looks straight ahead to reduce choking risk.

• Speak in a quiet, calm and encouraging voice while baby eats. Avoid overstimulating the infant.