MYTHS LINKED WITH SOLIDS (BEFORE 6 MONTHS)

1. Solids will help a baby sleep through the night.

RARELY: Many parents are often anxious to start solids believing a full tummy will help a baby sleep through the night. However, this rarely helps. Early introduction of solids increases the risk of creating additional problems (as listed above) which could potentially further disturb your child's sleep... or health.

2. Solids will satisfy a hungry baby.

RARELY: Solid foods are often given at an early age in the hope of solving problems thought to be linked with hunger, such as irritable behavior, sleeplessness or a thriving baby who wants to breast or bottle feed more often than would be considered normal for her age.

Milk (breast or formula) provides a baby with all the necessary calories and nutrients needed for healthy growth up to 6 months of age. If increasing the amount of formula or number breast feeds offered, your baby is still not satisfied, then her behavior may be due to one of number of other possible causes which result in her looking for comfort from feeding.

3. If a baby has reflux solids will help.

TRUE & FALSE: Solids may reduce the amount of milk that comes up, but starting solids too soon could create additional problems for your baby. There are many more effective ways of reducing spitting up that don't involve the risks associated with early introduction of solids, as listed above. (See our article on Reflux for tips to reduce spitting up).

4. Solids are necessary if weight gain slows down

FALSE: Parents often become concerned when their little one's rate of growth slows. For a healthy thriving breast fed or formula fed baby a decrease in the amount of weight gained each week will occur naturally around the age of 5 - 6 months. For bigger babies, who were off to a very good start in the early months, this slowing of weekly gains can occur from around 3 months of age.

If you're concerned about your child's weight, discuss this with a doctor. Avoid starting solids too soon because solids can lead to a decrease the amount of milk (breast or formula) she drinks. Milk will provide more calories than solids at this age, so starting solids too soon could further affect her growth.

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