Not all babies are ready to start solid foods at a certain age. Some babies grow and develop at a faster or slower rate, therefore it is best not to fully rely on a baby’s age for knowing when to start solid foods. Many babies who start solid foods, but are not yet ready may experience things like constipation and gagging in response to being given solid foods too early.
Constipation may indicate that baby’s digestive system is still too immature to digest solid foods. Gagging frequently may indicate that baby’s reflexes are not yet integrated enough to accept solid foods. Gagging is indeed a reflex and is not the same as choking - in fact, it serves as a protective mechanism against choking! However, these reactions might be indicating that your little one isn't quite ready to make the leap into the world of solids, or there could be another underlying issue at play. To get a clearer understanding of when your baby is prepared for this exciting nutritional milestone, let's delve into the signs of readiness. And remember, not every baby is the same; some might need a tad more time.
Your baby should meet all of the following before starting solid foods:
Strong Neck and Head Control
Your baby should be able to maintain a stable head position and have strong neck muscles. When sitting, they should be able to keep their head up for at least the length of time it takes to feed them. This ensures they can swallow properly and reduces the risk of choking.
Sitting Up with Minimal Support
If your baby can sit up straight mostly on their own - even if it's with some minor support, like a high chair - it's a good indicator they might be ready to start solid foods. If your baby requires a forced sitting device like a bumbo seat to be able to sit up long enough to eat, your baby is not yet ready for solids.
Eyeing or Reaching for Your Food
Curiosity is a strong sign! If your baby shows interest in what you're eating by reaching out or staring intently, they might be signaling their readiness.
Opening Their Mouth when Food Comes Their Way
An open mouth at the sight of a spoon heading their direction can be an eager baby's way of saying, "I'm ready for that!"
They Can Move Food from a Spoon to Their Throat
If you've given solids a test run and your baby can move food from the front of the mouth to the back and swallow, it's a strong indication they're ready. If they thrust their tongue and it dribbles all over their chin and chest instead, your baby may not yet ready for solids.
They Can Pick Things Up with Their Hands
Developing the ability to pick things up and bring them to their mouth is a good indicator that your baby may be able to start feeding their self.
Always remember, while these signs are good indicators, each baby is unique. Trust your instincts, consult with your pediatrician, and remember that introducing solids is a journey – it’s okay to take it slow. Breast milk or baby formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition of the first year of life, so there is no rush to start babies on three meals a day as soon as they turn a certain age.
If your baby is more than 8 months old and still not showing all the signs of readiness for solid feeding, your baby may be experiencing a developmental delay - contact your pediatrician and ask them to complete a developmental milestones assessment.
If you're ever unsure or need personalized guidance, seeking the advice of a pediatrician or nutritionist can provide clarity.
Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2018). Starting Solid Foods.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), (2018). Bite-Sized Milestones: Signs of Solid Food Readiness.
World Health Organization. (2009). Infant and young child feeding.
Guiding principles for complementary feeding of the breastfed child, 1 January 2003. ISBN: 92-75-12460-4. Link to Download.
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