Knowing When to Feed Your Baby Solid Food

By: Simone Butler Click author's name for more of his/her articles

With all the advice new parents get deciding when to start your baby on solid foods could turn into a regular debate. Your parents or grandparents may tell you it is okay to start feeding solids at three months yet the baby book you just finished reading recommends that solids not be fed before six months. What should you do?

The variety of information parents get can be quite confusing. Even physicians may have different views regarding the feeding of solid foods. Some people mistakenly believe that feeding solid foods to a baby sooner rather than later is necessary for proper nutrition. Parents may worry that breast or bottle feeding is not filling enough. Because the baby needs to be fed more often parents believe they can fulfill their hunger by feeding them solid food sooner. But feeding a baby solid food at an earlier age is not necessarily better for them.

Most doctors recommend starting babies on sold foods between four to six months. Some prefer to wait until six months. If your baby was premature it is best to wait a little longer before starting solids in order to give the baby's digestive system time to mature. It is also important to realize that many babies have food allergies. If you are uncertain about starting your baby on solids consult your pediatrician and follow his/her recommendations.

Normally it is best to wait until the baby is holding his or her head up well and shows an interest in food. It is best to start the baby off with rice cereal. Other cereals and foods can be added gradually. Fruits and vegetables can be added around six months of age. Around eight to nine months the baby can be fed table foods such as applesauce and mashed potatoes. At nine months and beyond parents can begin feeding foods such as cheese, yogurt and safe finger foods.

Keep in mind that each baby is different too. Just because your first child was ready to start eating solids at four months doesn't mean that your next baby will be the same. Each baby has his/her own timetable and will mature at his/her own pace. Don't rush solid feedings. Your child will let you know when he/she is ready. In the meantime your baby will receive the nutrition he/she needs from the normal bottle feedings. As always parents should stay informed and consult their child's pediatrician with any questions or concerns they may have regarding their child's nutritional needs, health and/or development.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Simone writes for a baby guide site where you can read more about baby weaning and other related subjects.