When should my baby start solids?
Human milk is the only food that healthy, full-term babies need for about the first six months
of life. The composition of human milk varies according to the time of day and the age of the baby,
so that each mother provides the milk that meets her own baby's unique needs. Human milk provides
immunity factors for as long as the baby nurses, and many of the health benefits of breastfeeding
continue well into childhood and beyond.
Most solid foods are lower in calories than human milk, of lower nutritional value, and can be difficult
for young babies to digest. Introduced early, they can cause unpleasant reactions and even trigger
allergies. These problems can be avoided by waiting until your baby is ready for solids. Some parents
have found introducing solids before baby is ready to be a waste of time, energy and money.
Breastfed babies do not need to have complementary food introduced until about the middle of the first year. Before that time, you will notice some signs that your baby is changing developmentally, in preparation for beginning solids in a few months. You will notice that:
- he becomes more sociable, playing and holding "conversations" with you during a nursing
session
- he has a growth spurt and nurses more frequently for a while
- he imitates the chewing motions you make whilst eating -- he is practicing!
You will know that he is really ready to start solids when:
- he is about six months old
- he can sit up without any support
- he continues to be hungry despite more frequent nursing which is unrelated to illness or teething
- he has lost the tongue-thrusting reflex and does not push solids out of his mouth
- he can pick up things with his finger and thumb (pincer grasp)
Babies who are ready for solids can usually feed themselves. Mothers often report that they knew their
babies were ready when they picked up food from a plate, chewed it, swallowed it, and wanted more.
Listen to your baby! Babies with a tendency to allergies may refuse solids until later in their first year.
As long as they are growing well and are happy and healthy, there is no need for concern.
References
The American Academy of Pediatrics:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/100/6/1035
- "Exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and
development for approximately the first 6 months after birth. Infants weaned before 12 months of age
should not receive cow's milk feedings but should receive iron-fortified infant formula. Gradual
introduction of iron-enriched solid foods in the second half of the first year should complement
the breast milk diet. It is recommended that breastfeeding continue for at least 12 months, and
thereafter for as long as mutually desired."
- "In the first 6 months, water, juice, and other foods are generally unnecessary for breastfed
infants. Vitamin D and iron may need to be given before 6 months of age in selected groups of infants
(vitamin D for infants whose mothers are vitamin D-deficient or those infants not exposed to adequate
sunlight; iron for those who have low iron stores or anemia)."
Further reading
LLLI FAQs:
THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, published by La Leche League International, is the most complete
resource available for the breastfeeding mother. It is available through your local Leader or from
the LLLI Online Store.
Our
FAQs present information from La Leche League International on topics
of interest to parents of breastfed children. Not all of the information
may be pertinent to your family's lifestyle. This information is general
in nature and not intended to be advice, medical or otherwise. If you
have a serious breastfeeding problem or concern, you are strongly encouraged
to talk directly to a La Leche League Leader.
Please consult health care professionals on any medical issue, as La
Leche League Leaders are not medical practitioners.
Page last edited Tue Sep 30 16:44:33 UTC 2008.
