In a previous blog post we talked about some reasons why starting baby food is not such a good idea. In this blog post and the next, we’ll go in the other direction and list some signs of readiness for solid foods. If you would like to introduce solid foods to your baby, discuss it with your pediatrician and do whatever you and your pediatrician agree is best for your baby.
Here are some signs of readiness of solid foods:
- Baby is at least four months old.
- Baby weighs twice as much as her birth weight
- Baby weighs at least 13-15 pounds
- Baby can sit with support, allowing her to lean forward when she wants another spoonful and backward to refuse.
- Baby has control over her head and neck muscles and can turn her head to refuse food.
- Baby has stopped exhibiting the extrusion reflex when you put a spoon in her mouth. If after several tries, food comes right back out of her mouth when you spoon feed her, she is not yet ready for solid foods.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog post for more sign of readiness for solid baby food. For more information on feeding baby consult the Super Baby Food book or the Super Baby Food App (free for a limited time)!