Introducing solid foods: readiness checklist

The readiness signs for introducing infants to solid foods are nearly the same regardless of which approach you choose to use for your baby. The first question many new parents have: when should my baby start solids?

WHY 6 MONTHS FOR MOST BABIES? 

The World Health Organization (WHO), the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the U.S. Center for Disease Control recommend exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding (or combination) until age 6 months. Around 6 months old, formula-fed and breastfed infants require complementary foods to meet nutritional needs (though breastmilk and formula remain the primary source of nutrition until 12 months old). As long as your baby is ready physically, holding off on solids could lead to dietary deficiencies such as iron deficiency. Additionally, waiting longer than six months to introduce solid foods may increase the risk of allergies and food aversions. 

However, some babies are introduced to purees (by spoon-feeding) between 4 and 6 months old. If your baby is younger than 6 months and showing readiness signs, talk to your healthcare provider about starting solids sooner. If starting before 6 months, you will be spoon-feeding purees for the first two months, as a baby will most likely not be ready to engage in BLW.

Introducing solids before 4 months old is never recommended.