How do I know if my baby is ready to start food?

There is no defining age in which a baby should start eating.  Every child develops at a different rate.  Keep in mind that your babies digestive system is simply not developed enough to process foods until he is closer to his half-birthday. The Canadian Paediatric Society and The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding until your baby is 6 months old.  Waiting until six months of age to introduce solid foods will help to minimize the risks of developing adverse reactions to foods and allergies. Here are some cues to look for when looking for readiness to start introducing foods.

• Can your baby support his or her own head? Your baby needs to be able to keep his head in a steady, upright position.
• Is your baby's tongue-thrust reflex (Extrusion reflex) gone or diminished? To keep solid food in his mouth and then swallow it, your baby needs to stop using his tongue to push food out of his mouth.
• Sitting well when supported. Even if he's not quite ready for a highchair, your baby needs to be able to sit upright to swallow well.
• Chewing motions. Your baby's mouth and tongue develop in sync with his digestive system. To start solids, he should be able to move food to the back of his mouth and swallow. As he learns to swallow efficiently, you may notice less drooling — though if your baby's teething, you might still see a lot of drool.
• Significant weight gain. Most babies are ready to eat solids when they've doubled their birth weight (or weigh about 15 pounds) and are at least 5 months old.
• Growing appetite. He seems hungry — even with eight to ten feedings of breast milk or formula a day.
• Is your baby interested in food? A 6-month-old baby who stares and grabs at your food at dinnertime is clearly ready for some variety in the food department.

If your baby has all or most of these cues than check with your doctor about intrducing solid foods.  If your baby seems frustrated or uninterested as you begin, try waiting a few days or weeks before trying again.  Remember that solids are an add-on to the nutrition your child will get from breastmilk or formula so don't be concerned about rushing your baby.  Remember you and your baby will get messy so keep extra wash cloths and bibs close by.






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