Positioning When Introducing Solids

The child should be positioned in highchair or equivalent at the family table. This allows eye contact with the feeder, facilitates communication and family time, and therefore makes feeding more pleasurable (Redstone & West, 2004). It is not appropriate to feed an infant or child with developmental delays or tonal issues while the parent is seated in a rocking chair.

When planning to introduce solids, ensure the child has sufficient head control, and neck and trunk strength and stability to maintain an upright seated position, or have adequate seating supports to facilitate a secure upright seated position. Refer for a review of the seating system if needed.