During the first few months of life, breast milk or formula is all your newborn needs. It is not until he is a few months old, when he is both physiologically and developmentally ready, does he needs to eat solid foods. Health experts agree that 6 to 9 months is the time when solid foods should be introduced, but some parents choose to start solid foods as early as 4 months. Generally speaking, you should watch your baby's cue for readiness, because every baby develops at a different rate.
Significance
World Health Organization, UNICEF, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dietetic Association and other health experts worldwide recommend all babies to be exclusively breast-fed, or formula-fed if breast feeding is not available, for the first six months of life. WHO recommends that babies start receiving other foods at 6 months of age, but with breast milk or formula still being the major source of nutrition until age 1.
Benefits of Delaying Solid Foods
While it is important to complement your baby's diet with solid foods starting at 6 months, there is no need to introduce him any time earlier than that. In fact, research has shown that breast feeding and the late introduction of solids, at 6 months, may be beneficial for health. That is because the antibodies in breast milk are not present in other foods and cannot be synthesized. They offer a wide range of protection for babies against many infections and diseases. Formula feeding and late introduction of solids offer similar benefits.
Signs for Solids Foods
Every baby develops at a different rate. Watch your baby's developmental signs that show readiness for solids. These include being able to sit with support, willing to chew and losing the tongue-thrust reflex, the reflex that causes the tongue to push against spoon or food. Another development sign is when he develops the "pincer" grasp, where he uses the thumb and forefinger to pick up objects. If your baby shows interest when he sees someone eating and tries to grab and put food in his mouth, he may be ready for solid foods.
Warning
When you first introduce solid foods, you need to watch out for choking hazards. Avoid offering small and slippery foods such as whole grapes and hard candy. Also avoid foods that are hard to chew such as pop corn and raw carrots. Offer your baby foods in pureed and semi-liquid form first. When your baby is ready, give him finely chopped finger foods but always under supervision to prevent choking. When he is ready, about one year old, he might have chopped or mashed table foods.
Also watch out for food allergy, especially if there is a family history. Try to delay introduction of high allergic foods such as eggs, fish, seafoods, nuts, dairy and wheat. Ask your pediatrician first if you are concerned.
Misconceptions
Despite what most health experts suggest, many parents start introducing solids earlier than 6 months due to folk beliefs or pressures from family and friends. Some people believe that giving solids to babies can help them sleep through the night. However, a study published in American Journal of Diseases in Children in 1989 noted that solid foods do not help babies with sleep. Family and friends may pressure parents to give solids early by claiming that the baby is too big, too small or not eating enough. Understand that these are all good intentions, but never let anyone but your own baby tell you when he is ready for his first solid food.
Considerations
If your baby is reaching the normal weight for age and is growing normally, he is probably getting enough food. But if you are concerned or suspect otherwise, consult your pediatrician.
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