How to Continue Breastfeeding When Baby Starts Solids

12 January 2025

So, your little munchkin is growing up fast, huh? One moment you're wiping milk dribbles off their chin, and the next you're pondering if mashed sweet potato is going to end up on your ceiling. Starting solids is an exciting milestone, but let’s be real—it also comes with a ton of questions. One of the most common ones? "How the heck do I keep breastfeeding while introducing solids without losing my sanity?"

Don't worry, mama. I’ve got your back. Let's talk about how to navigate this wild new world of bibs, bowls, and baby-food smears while still making sure your breastfeeding journey stays on track.

Why Keep Breastfeeding When Solids Are Involved?

Some folks assume that once a baby starts solids, breastfeeding is heading toward a slow fade-out, like when your favorite TV show loses its charm after six seasons. But here’s the deal: breast milk is still the headliner. It remains the primary source of nutrition for your baby until about their first birthday. Think of solids as the opening act—they’re fun and exciting, but they’re not stealing the spotlight just yet.

Breast milk provides all the good stuff: antibodies, nutrients, and that oh-so-magical mama-baby bonding time. Plus, let’s not forget—breastfeeding is a lot easier at 2 a.m. than trying to whip up a bowl of oatmeal, right?

Timing Is Everything: Breastfeeding First, Solids Second

If you’re wondering whether to breastfeed or serve solids first, let’s make it super simple: milk first, food second. Here's why: babies have tiny little tummies (like, super-tiny... we're talking walnut-sized at birth). If they fill up on pureed carrots or avocado chunks first, they might not have room for breast milk, which is still their nutritional MVP.

Think of it this way: breast milk is like the main course, and solids are the side dish. You wouldn’t chow down a loaf of garlic bread before steak, right? Same concept.

A Typical Feeding Schedule

Here’s a loose idea of how to juggle both:

1. Breastfeed when baby wakes up.
2. Offer solids mid-morning or lunch.
3. Breastfeed again after nap or later in the day.
4. Offer more solids during dinner.
5. Top it all off with a bedtime nursing session.

Will every day look like this? Probably not. Let’s be real—parenting is about rolling with the punches. Do what works for you and your little one.

Watch for Cues: When Baby's Hungry for Both

Babies are surprisingly good at telling you what they need… if you know what to look for. They’re like tiny detectives, dropping little hints to let you know if they’re hankering for milk or food.

- For breastfeeding: If they’re gnawing on your shoulder or doing that adorable open-mouth head lunge toward your chest, it’s breastfeeding time.
- For solids: If they’re staring at your pizza slice like it’s the Mona Lisa, drooling at the sight of food, or reaching for your utensils, they’re ready for some solids.

Balancing Act: Keeping Up Milk Supply While Adding Solids

One of the big worries for breastfeeding moms is whether starting solids will tank their milk supply. It’s a valid concern—your supply adjusts based on demand. So if baby starts dropping feeds faster than TikTok trends, your body will assume its services are no longer needed.

Pro Tips to Keep That Supply Flowing

1. Stick to "demand feeding": Let your baby tell you when they're hungry. They’ll naturally adjust their breast milk intake as they eat more solids.
2. Sneak in extra nursing sessions: Got a quiet moment when baby isn’t gunning for their favorite mashed banana? Offer the boob. No harm, no foul.
3. Pump if needed: If you notice your supply dipping or you’re skipping nursing sessions because of solids, get your pump out for backup duty. Even pumping once or twice a day can keep things consistent.

Think of it like a garden: solids are like adding a new flower bed, but you’ve still gotta water the original plants (aka your milk supply) to keep the whole thing thriving.

Don’t Stress Over Solids (They're Just for Practice Anyway)

Here’s something that’ll take a load off your shoulders: solids are more about practice than calories at the beginning. For the first few months of eating, babies are just experimenting—squishing food, spitting it back out, rubbing it in their hair (why? who knows). It’s more about exploration than nutrition.

This is why breastfeeding remains a cornerstone. Your milk is still doing the heavy lifting while your little food critic experiments with different tastes and textures.

What About Night Feeds?

Ah, the infamous night feeds. You’d think starting solids would make babies sleep through the night, but let me be the first to shatter that myth. (Sorry, but I come bearing honesty, not miracles!)

Some babies still wake up for those nighttime snacks, whether it's out of hunger, habit, or a need for comfort. And guess what? That’s totally normal. If your baby wants to nurse at night, go ahead and offer it. Those night feeds can actually help maintain your milk supply, especially during this transition.

Dealing with Distractions at the Breast

As babies get older and start eating solids, they also become these tiny, overly curious beings who can’t sit still. Suddenly, breastfeeding turns into a circus act. Baby pulls off every 10 seconds to look at the dog, watch the ceiling fan spin, or eavesdrop on your conversation. Sound familiar?

Tips to Keep Baby Focused

1. Create a calm environment: Dim lights, turn off the TV, and pick a quiet spot for nursing.
2. Use a nursing necklace: These aren’t just cute—they give babies something to fiddle with instead of getting distracted by every shiny object in the room.
3. Save the chats for later: If someone’s talking nearby, your baby might decide to audition for the FBI by focusing on everything except eating.

When Baby Seems Less Interested in Nursing

At some point, your baby might start showing less interest in breastfeeding. Don’t panic—this doesn’t always mean they’re weaning. Sometimes it’s just a phase, like their brief obsession with chewing on your car keys.

How to Handle It:

- Offer shorter but more frequent nursing sessions.
- Try nursing in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
- Get skin-to-skin time—it can rekindle that breastfeeding bond.

And remember, this is a team effort. You and your baby are figuring it out together.

When You’re Ready to Wean (Eventually)

Weaning is a personal journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some moms keep breastfeeding well into toddlerhood, while others wrap it up sooner. Whenever you decide to wean, do it gradually. Think of it like easing off the gas pedal, not slamming on the brakes.

If you’re ready to shift focus more toward solids, drop one breastfeeding session at a time over several weeks. This gives your body (and your baby) time to adjust.

A Quick Recap: Keeping It Real

- Breastfeeding remains the star of the show, with solids as the supporting cast until baby hits their first birthday.
- Always offer breast milk first, then solids.
- Watch for hunger cues, maintain flexibility, and let your supply adjust naturally.
- Don’t stress—solids are just practice right now. Your baby’s still relying on you for the bulk of their nutrition.
- Above all, trust the process. Babies have been doing this for centuries without YouTube tutorials.

You’ve got this, mama. Whether you’re covered in mashed peas or juggling midnight nursing sessions, you’re doing an amazing job.