Many new parents are excited at the prospect of starting their baby on solid foods. An infant's immature digestive system is not prepared to handle solid foods before 4 to 6 months of age. During the first 6 months of life, breast milk and formula provide all the nutrition that an infant needs.
Starting Solids Too Early
As medical science has improved, the recommended age to start solids has changed. As a result of this, many grandparents often insist that it is fine to start a baby on infant cereal as early as 2 weeks of age. Starting an infant on solid foods too early can deprive him of vital nutrients during a time of rapid growth because his digestive system has not developed enough to absorb the nutrients in solid foods. Many parents are encouraged to mix rice cereal in their infant's bottle as a treatment for colic but doing this is not only unproven as a treatment for colic but can additionally set off food allergies and create a choking hazard.
When to Start Solid Food
The current recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics is to start solid foods between the ages of 4 to 6 months of age. Many pediatricians recommend waiting until an infant is at least 6 months of age, especially if there is a family history of food allergies, in severe cases of eczema and with preemies. As with any stage of infant development, babies are physically ready to start solid foods at different times. It is important to watch your infant for signs of readiness and follow the recommendations made by your pediatrician.
Signs that a Baby is Ready for Solid Foods
There are some clear signs that an infant is ready to start solid foods. Until all of these signs are present, a baby is not ready to begin eating solid foods. Physical signs that a baby is ready to start solids include, the ability to sit unassisted, showing an interest in family mealtime, developing the pincer grasp or the ability to pick up objects with his thumb and forefinger and losing the tongue-thrust reflex that pushes food out of his mouth when it is put in. An infant must be reasonably able to chew food that is put in his mouth and swallow it without trouble.
Signs that a Baby is Not Ready for Solid Foods
Many parents start their infant on solid foods only to discover that their baby may not be quite ready. Babies develop at their own pace. There is nothing wrong with taking a step back and waiting a few more weeks until your baby is better prepared to start solid foods. Signs that your baby may not be ready to start solid foods include developing a skin rash, difficulty swallowing baby food and acting fussy during feeding times.
Making the Adjustment to Solid Foods
All babies must go through an adjustment period when they first begin eating solid foods. Constipation is a common problem. Severe constipation may warrant stopping solid foods for a time or limiting them to one small meal a day. Mild constipation can be treated by adding 4 ounces of prune juice to your baby's diet, limiting constipating foods like bananas in favor of high fiber foods such as pears and prunes. It is important that only one new food be introduced at a time. Wait at least 2 to 3 days after starting a new food before introducing another food to your infant's diet.
First Foods for Baby
Infant cereal such as rice cereal should be given first and made with breast milk or formula so it has a familiar taste and added nutrients. After an infant has learned how to eat rice cereal and has tolerated it well, you can introduce one new fruit or vegetable at a time. Avoid mixed fruits or mixed vegetables until your baby has tried all ingredients on their own. Popular first foods include pears, applesauce, prunes, bananas, sweet potatoes, peas and green beans.
