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 William J. Klish, M.D., is Professor of Pediatrics, Head of Pediatric
Gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine and Chief of the Nutrition
and Gastroenterology Department at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston.
Dr. Klish has served as chair of the Committee on Nutrition of the American
Academy of Pediatrics.
Q: At around what age does a baby learn to chew?
A: Foods that actually require chewing are likely to cause choking until a child has both the teeth and the muscular coordination to deal with these foods, which is usually not until they are 9 months or older.
However, babies often begin to show a developmental readiness for chewing between ages 4 and 6 months. At around 4 months old, most infants lose what's known as the "extrusion reflex" This is an instinct that a baby has to push his tongue out when anything other than liquid is placed in his mouth. Then, at around 5 to 6 months most babies will begin to express a desire for food -- they are able to sit up with little support, open their mouths, and show interest in what you are eating.
Most first foods are semi-liquid rice cereals. Once your baby has mastered rice cereal, you can gradually introduce a variety of strained or mashed vegetables, fruits, and meats. (To monitor for allergies, be sure to only introduce one new food every three to four days.)
By 7 to 8 months, your baby will likely be ready to try finely milled table foods. It is at this age that a baby learns to put objects in her mouth and demonstrate a readiness for finger foods. Try foods that she can gum and that dissolve easily, such as crackers or dry cereals.
When your baby is around 9 months old and has developed front teeth, you may try finely chopped cooked meats. However, some children have an especially hard time adjusting to new textures and may cough or gag. In these situations, you may need to introduce new foods more slowly. Be patient and keep trying, your baby will eventually accept new textures.
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