My baby has severe vomiting after starting solids. Is this normal?

Question

Hello doctor,

My daughter is just five and a half months old and yesterday I started her on solids. Before that, she was exclusively on breast milk. I gave her a packaged wheat and apple baby food. Two hours after she ate it, she vomited everything out. So, the rest of the day I just gave her breast milk. I had mixed one teaspoon of the powder with 30 ml of water. Is there anything to worry about? Also, what can I give as a substitute? There is no sign of weakness or discomfort. Also her neck is not yet fully stable and she still cannot sit on her own unless supported on our lap. Is this normal?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

At the age of five and a half months, a baby will sit only with support. Neck holding is attained only by three to six months. So, it is normal.

About the feeding, the ideal time to switch to weaning foods is when the baby completes six months. Until then breast milk is the best.

Wheat is not the right choice at six months. The baby should ideally be started with a homemade single-cereal baby food like rice or ragi (millets). Do not try any other new foods for the next two days.

Start initially with a small quantity. Let it be quite thin. You can increase the thickness gradually over two to three weeks to make it semi solid. Increase the amount based on how much the baby accepts. Mashed fruits and vegetables can be introduced later when she starts taking semi solid food.

If vomiting has reduced and she is active, there is nothing to worry. Follow the instructions given. If there is vomiting even after that, please consult your pediatrician.

Thank you.