STARTING SOLIDS

When to start

You will find that there are many different opinions regarding the best time to start your baby on solid foods. Up until recently the recommended age to commence solids was 4 months. However, as a result of extensive research into this area, many health professionals and health agencies such as World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics are now encouraging parents to wait until their babies are closer to 6 months of age before starting solids.

Although, some babies may benefit from solids earlier than 6 months, it's generally NOT recommended to commence solid foods before 4 months of age except in special circumstances. Your child's pediatrician will guide you regarding the need for early introduction to solids.

Signs of readiness

1. Interest: Does your little one stare at every bite of food that goes from your plate into your mouth? Does she try to grab little pieces from your plate? Does she open her mouth when food approaches?
2. Head support and control: Can she hold her head steady and sit with support?
3. Extrusion (tongue thrust) reflex: Has she lost her extrusion reflex? This means she no longer automatically pushes solid foods out of her mouth with her tongue.
4. Shows significant weight gain: Has she doubled her birth weight?

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