Your 19-Week-Old Baby
Prepping for solids, top high-chairs and toothbrushing basics.
Mastering the Roll
Have a little rolling machine on your hands? This developmental milestone never gets old (well, until crawling kicks in).
Perhaps your baby is a pro at rolling from front to back, and now they’re working hard to go from back to front. Keep the momentum going by placing toys just out of reach so they have to roll their way to retrieve them. (There’s nothing cuter than the face of determination!) Soft, easy-to-clean floor mats are the perfect spot for playtime and practicing this exciting new skill.
If your tot seems a little stuck, gently guide them through a roll until they get the hang of it. Remember, your baby’s brain is working overtime to prep for mobility. Not being able to do something could make them feel frustrated. So if you’re sensing some grumpiness, don’t push it. Take a break from rolling and distract them with a fun toy or a change of scenery.
Starting Solids
Sometime between 4 and 6 months, your baby may start showing signs that they’re ready for solid foods. (Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for the first six months.)
During the first year, your baby will get most of their nutrition from breastmilk or formula, so don’t stress if more of the solid food ends up on their bib than in their tummy. It’s all about trying new foods and getting the hang of eating! Enjoy how clean your kitchen is now, because things are about to get messy.
Signs your child is ready for solids:
- Holds head up when sitting in the high chair
- Appears interested in food (they reach for your food and/or open their mouth when the “airplane” spoon comes their way)
- Has the ability to move food to the back of the throat to swallow, rather than just pushing it out
- Weight is at least double their birth weight (or a weight of 13+ pounds)
Now is a great time to start thinking about first foods and stocking up on feeding essentials like spoons, bowls and bibs (you’ll need a lot!).
Best High Chairs
It’s a game changer when your little one is big enough to sit in a high chair. This kitchen essential will become your kiddo’s command center—where they eat, play and propel baby food they don’t like. (Message received: mashed peas are a no-go!). Aside from mealtime, it’s also helpful for you to have a safe place to seat them with some toys when you need to unload the dishwasher.
Choosing a high chair comes down to a few key criteria:
- Space: Do you have the room for a large seat? If not, there are compact high chairs that easily fold up when not in use, or attach right to the table.
- Ease of cleaning: A high chair that’s easy to wipe down (especially those crevices!) will make your life a lot easier. A removable tray is extremely helpful too (bonus if it’s dishwasher safe).
- Long-term use: Some high chairs are designed to grow with your child by converting to a booster seat for toddlers and then a kid-sized chair.
- Price: The more bells and whistles, the more it costs. Are you willing to splurge on features like wipeable cushions, wheels, adjustable footrests and a reclining seat?
Check out these high chairs Babylist parents love.
Toothbrushing Basics
Your kiddo may still be all gums, but a clean mouth is a healthy mouth. Before teeth pop through, wipe your baby’s gums with a moist washcloth after feedings to remove bacteria. Once those cute little teeth start making their appearance, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to massage the gums and brush teeth.
Pediatricians and dentists especially recommend brushing your baby’s teeth after a bottle to prevent baby bottle tooth decay, which is a leading cause of infant cavities. If you use an infant toothpaste with flouride, use just a small smear no bigger than the size of grain of rice.