Introducing Solids to Your Baby

There are various common misconceptions and many myths about when and why to start giving babies solid foods. However, science has convinced most experts that it is best to wait six months before attempting to introduce solids into a baby’s diet. We have compiled important information from early childhood professionals to explain why.Why Wait on Solids

• A baby’s developing gut is not ready and able to digest solid foods, as their digestive tracks are not fully developed until they are at least 6 months old.
• One ounce of breastmilk has many more calories and satisfying fats than an ounce of applesauce or rice cereal, and babies younger than 6 months old need those extra calories!
• Babies’ bodies don’t produce a diverse enough variety of stomach enzymes to break down solid food until they are 6 – 9 months old. (Even if your baby seems to do okay with solids, they could develop food allergies and other health issues later in life)
• Solid food means less breastmilk, which can be problematic because there is no food that is better for a baby’s brain than breastmilk. They need as much as they can get, because an infant’s brain size doubles in the first year of life.
• Swallowing solids is difficult for babies, as it takes a complex combination of movements and coordination between the mouth and throat muscles. A baby could choke, even on mashed fruit or cereal, if their muscles are not ready for solid foods.

Signs That Your Baby May be Ready for Solid Foods

• Your baby has doubled his or her birth weight
• He or she has lost the tongue-thrust reflex and no longer pushes things out of his/her mouth
• Your baby can sit up on their own with no support and has complete control of their head

Although it is a common thought that solid food helps infants sleep better, this is a myth and should not encourage parents to introduce solids before the baby is ready. Knowing why your baby is better off without solid food for the first six months will help you make important decisions about your infant’s diet. Let your baby show you when they are ready, and ask your pediatrician if you are unsure about when and how to start adding solid foods to their diet.This article is based on information from the Breastfeeding Coalition of Lane County (BCLC), the Breastfeeding Coalition of Oregon (BCO), and USDA.