Diet & Nutrition: Linda Hsieh

When is the ideal time to start my baby on solids?

By Linda Hsieh

The American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Nutrition recommends introducing solid foods to your infant when she is developmentally ready -- approximately 4 to 6 months of age. Developmental skills/signs that baby is ready for solids include:

• She can sit with little support
• She can take a small amount of thinned cereal on the back of her tongue to be swallowed (this is a sign that the baby's "extrusion reflex" has disappeared and she is now ready to swallow non-liquid foods)
• She can turn her head away if she is full
• She consumes 32 ounces or more of breastmilk or formula each day.

Because each baby's developmental skills progress at different rates, a range is appropriate. Experts agree that there is no nutritional advantage in introducing solid foods before 4 months. In fact, some believe that there are benefits to waiting until 6 months. For example, some pediatricians believe that your baby will experience fewer food allergies if you can delay the introduction of solid foods until 6 months. That's because the baby's digestive tract is more mature and can act more effectively as a protective barrier.

However, between 4 to 6 months of age, you may find that your baby is not completely satisfied from formula or breastmilk alone and wants to try some of the foods that you are eating. Each baby is different. If you have questions about when to start solid foods with your baby, talk to your health care provider.

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