From Breastfeeding to Solid Food
Question: When should my baby start solid food?
Unless there is a complication that prevents you from doing so, your baby should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months. This is in accordance with the World Health Organization’s breastfeeding guidelines and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ policy statement on breastfeeding. But knowing that you shouldn’t unnecessarily introduce solid foods, or foods other than breast milk, prior to six months of age probably doesn’t help you know when you can, or should, start introducing solid foods into your baby’s diet.
My youngest daughter, Hannah, is almost 6 months old as I write this, and I plan to exclusively breastfeed her beyond 6 months, for as long as possible. Recently, when she is present with the family at mealtime, she has started “asking” to put food in her mouth as we do. This goes beyond a baby’s natural inclination to put whatever they can get their hands on in their mouth; she knows we are eating and she wants what we are eating, too. This behavior is an indication of a willingness to eat that, along with other signs of maturation, will allow me to determine when she can start eating solid foods.
I want to stress can, not should here. Just because your baby can eat solid foods does not mean you have to start increasing solid foods or reduce breastfeedings. You can continue to breastfeed exclusively for as long as it is appropriate for your unique breastfeeding relationship. Remember, your breast milk doesn’t suddenly become less nutritious once your baby reaches a certain age. It sustained your baby for the first 6 months with no supplementation, and it can continue to sustain you baby beyond 6 months.
So what are the signs that your baby is ready to start eating solid food? An excellent article that answers this question, and covers this subject in depth, can be found on Dr. Sear’ website titled Starting Solid Foods. From my perspective, here is a summary of what you’re looking for:
A willingness to eat solid foods -
- Motioning for food while at the table and swiping at plates is a good sign that your baby has a willingness to eat solid foods.
A readiness to eat solid foods -
- Able to sit up.
- A mature digestive tract. After 6 months of age your baby’s intestines have gone through a process that makes them more capable of digesting solid foods. Prior to that time, introducing solid foods may cause allergies due to the baby’s immature digestive tract.
- Able to chew. Having teeth is an indication of your baby’s ability to chew, and teeth are a critical component of proper digestion. Chewing is not just required to breakdown the food. It is while chewing that saliva is thoroughly mixed with the food, and the saliva contains enzymes and other substances that are needed for proper digestion of solid foods.
Homemade baby food is a great way to start the adventure of eating. Choose healthy foods that are hypoallergenic at first. Keep in mind that babies usually don’t need more than a few nibbles at mealtime if they are breastfeeding, too. Breast milk can provide your growing child with whatever they need until they are able to eat solid food exclusively.
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