Solid Foods 101: Is Your Baby Ready For Solid Foods?

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By Tiana Ponti

Is your baby constantly hungry and feeding more often and you think you should start them on solid foods? Doctors today are saying “Don’t be in such a rush”. Although you may think your baby is ready because of countless feeding and sleepless nights, he/she may not be neurologically or physically ready.

Pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies are to be 4 to 6 months old before solid foods are introduced, and to remember, not every baby is the same and are ready to eat at the same times. If you introduce food too early they could have a allergic reaction, so “listen” to your baby and not the calendar or other friends. Also another important reminder is that until your baby reaches 12 months of age their main source of nutrients should becoming from milk, whether it be breast milk or formula, and never introduce peanut/peanut butter until at least the age of 3. Here are some guidelines you may wish to follow:


• Has baby doubled their birth weight?

• Has a growth spurt, or consumes more than 32 oz a day?

• Can baby sit up with little support and turn her head when she's full?

• Can your baby swallow with out spitting food out of their mouth?

• Have they developed the pincer grasp? (pointer and thumb finger)

• Does baby constantly put things in their mouth?

• Is baby interested in trying new tastes or textures?

• Imitates or watches you closely while you are eating?


Before starting any thing new with your child you should always talk to your pediatrician about your options first. These are only guidelines and should not be taken as medical advice

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