If you’re fielding pressure to introduce your baby to solid foods, this is rooted in a confusing trajectory in which medical professionals once thought earlier was better. In the 1950s, it was common to start solids as early as 4-8 weeks old.
However, more research has shifted this timeline to encourage a later start. Present day, the American Academy of Pediatrics, U.S. National Institutes for Health, and World Health Organization all recommend waiting until a baby is at least six months old to introduce solid foods.
The case for later
At around six months, most babies have developed the physical and physiological readiness required to safely and effectively digest solid foods. Plus, breast milk or formula are a complete source of nutrition during baby’s entire first year. Introducing table foods prematurely can detract from the health and immunity benefits of exclusive milk in those early months. However, at around six months, most babies do need a little more iron and zinc, which they can gain from table foods.
Signs of readiness:
Can sit unassisted with good head and neck control
Can pick up objects and bring them to their own mouth
Shows interest in what you are eating
What you can do before they’re ready: arm yourself with knowledge! Starting solids can be a bit of a learning curve, but the more you know, the more confident and calm you will feel when the time comes. There are a few key different feeding philosophies to explore:
Spoon Feeding -an adult loads up a spoon with pureed food and directs it into baby’s mouth.
Baby Led Weaning -an adult prepares soft, oversized table foods that baby can independently grasp and self feed. Purees are skipped in favor of finger foods.
Baby Led Feeding -a combination approach in which an adult prepares varying textures of food that baby can self feed, whether pureed, mashed, or finger food.