Introducing solid foods to your baby is a significant milestone, and determining the right time can feel conflicting. While recent generations typically started solids earlier, the latest research suggests waiting until your baby is around six months old before introducing anything beyond breast milk or formula.
Why six months
Over time, scientists have gained a deeper understanding of infant development and nutrition. Before this age, a baby's gut may not be ready to handle solid foods, increasing the likelihood of digestive issues and potential adverse reactions. Additionally, by six months, babies typically have better head and neck control, which is crucial for safe and efficient swallowing.
Use the six-month mark as a general timeframe, and consult with your pediatrician for individualized feeding needs.
Signs of readiness:
Can sit upright:Your baby should be able to sit confidently with good head control. They should not be slouched over in the high chair.
Interest in your food:If your baby is curious about what you're eating and tries to grab it, they may be ready for a taste.
Bring to mouth:If your baby can pick food up and bring it to their mouth, this is another key indicator of readiness.
Note: One sign of readiness commonly cited is “loss of tongue thrust reflex.” Babies instinctively push foreign objects out of their mouths with their tongues, and when this reflex diminishes, some think this aids the start of solids. Other professionals, however, do not consider this a necessary sign of readiness.
From the pediatric feeding team at Solid Starts: “Swallowing is a deep brainstem reflex, which is how babies know to swallow purees after using the same bottle-sucking pattern described above. Babies do not have to learn how to swallow … There is no clear rationale for the recommendation to wait for solids until the tongue thrust disappears.”
Paying attention to your baby's cues and the signs of readiness will help ensure a smooth transition to solids, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.