The Right Age to Start Solids for Your Baby
Solid foods are essential for meeting your baby’s energy and nutrient needs, which breast milk or formula can no longer meet. As a parent or caregiver, it's only natural to want to provide the best for your child, including their diet. One question that often comes up is when is the right time to start introducing solid foods.
What's the Latest Evidence?
The latest evidence suggests that around six months old is the best time to start introducing solid foods to your baby. Starting earlier, especially before four months, can place stress on your baby's immature digestive system. Their digestive and renal systems are not yet fully developed to handle food, and their tongue and mouth have not matured enough to chew and swallow effectively.
What About Babies that Get Interested in Food Early?
At around four months old, babies tend to show an increased interest in food and may put most things in their mouths. However, this does not necessarily mean they are ready to start solids. They may also go through the four-month sleep regression, a typical development in babies' sleep patterns that can be misinterpreted as them waking due to hunger.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long?
On the other hand, leaving it later than six months to start solids can result in your baby's nutrition requirements for growth and development not being met, can negatively impact speech development and can increase the risk of food allergies. If your baby is nearing seven months old and has not yet started solids, it would be wise to seek advice from your GP or a dietitian.
What are the Main Signs of Readiness?
Every baby is unique, and the timing of when to start solids will vary slightly. However, the main signs of readiness to start solid foods are
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Your baby can hold their head up and sit with minimal help.
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They display an active interest in food, for example, by moving their head towards food, opening their mouth as food approaches, or when a spoon touches their lips.
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They can keep food in their mouth and swallow it instead of pushing it out.
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They have developed a pincer grasp, allowing them to hold a spoon and bring it to their mouth or pick up pieces of food.
If you try to start solids and your baby is just not interested in food, hold off for a week or two and then try again. Still bring them to the table at meal times, so they can watch you eat and if they reach out for some food, let them have a play.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it's essential to start introducing solid foods to your baby when they show signs of readiness, generally around six months but no earlier than four months old. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your baby receives adequate nutrition for their growth and development while minimising the risk of digestive or other health issues.
