After the birth of the baby, the next biggie milestone will be starting solids. The biggest question parents ask is: When Should I Start Feeding My Baby Solid Foods? The answer is not the same for every baby and starts with a call to the pediatrician! Most pediatricians say start solids between 4 and 6 months, and closer to 6 months if you are breastfeeding. Here are six reasons to wait before starting solid foods:
- Your baby’s immature digestive system is not ready to break down starches and carbohydrates like those found in cereals. His body cannot yet digest some fats. High protein foods like eggs, meat, and even cow’s milk, if given too early, may cause problems with your baby’s immature kidneys.
- Babies have a Tongue/Thrust Reflex which pushes food forward and out of the mouth making it difficult to spoon feed.
- Your baby is not yet able to indicate he is full. Until he can turn his head away from the spoon, you may unintentionally over feed him.
- Feeding solids too early can potentially lead to future medical problems (i.e. obesity, asthma, food allergies).
- Solids won’t help your baby sleep through the night.
- If you are breastfeeding, giving solids may cause a decrease in your milk production.If you are breastfeeding, giving solids may cause a decrease in your milk production.
For more information on starting solids, check back for future posts right here on the subject. You can also check out the new Super Baby Food app that has an entire section dedicated to feeding baby solid foods and, of course, there is always more information to be found in Super Baby Food!