A study published in the April issue of the journal Pediatrics shows many moms are jumping the gun and feeding their babies solid food earlier without knowing the risks. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! In bottle-fed infants, bifidobacteria are not predominant. All rights reserved. Like many pediatricians, I recommend that you introduce solid food to your baby no earlier than 6 months old.
I wanted to wait until 6 months, bub is 4.5 and starting to stare longingly at my food and sometimes I just want to give her something to see what she does! This is why solids during the first year should not be used to replace but to supplement breastfeeding.
We will never send you spam or ads. I’d be grateful for any information!Hear about our latest posts via email. Many thought their babies were old enough, were hungry when they were fussy for other reasons, or they just wanted to supplement the breast milk or formula.And there is so much information from so many sources — from friends, relatives, TV and online — it’s hard to know what to do. Starting solids too early — before age 4 months — might: Pose a risk of food being sucked into the airway (aspiration) These foods include infant cereals, meat or other proteins, fruits, vegetables, grains, yogurts and cheeses, and more. FYI-My baby sleeps through the night (9 hours without waking) She is gaining appropriately I don't return to work until she is 8 months old We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. And of course, this statement on solids and food allergies conflicts with guidance the AAP gives elsewhere to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months. Here, But gradually introducing solids between 4 to 6 months while continuing to breastfeed does not. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. These foods include infant cereals, meat or other proteins, fruits, vegetables, grains, yogurts and cheeses, and more. Can your baby sit with support? Your child can begin eating solid foods at about 6 months old. I know that I can introduce solids between 4-6 months, but would really like to wait until 6 months. The Baby’s Digestive System Is Not Yet Mature Enough For Solids Until about 4 to 6 months, your baby’s digestive system has what is called an “open gut.” This means that there are spaces between the cells of the small intestine which allow proteins and pathogens to pass into the bloodstream. Apparently, human milk contains a growth factor that enriches for growth of bifidobacteria, and these bacteria play an important role in preventing colonization of the infant intestinal tract by non indigenous or pathogenic species.”, 6th ed. Waiting too long might:Postponing the introduction of highly allergenic foods, such as peanuts, eggs and fish, beyond 4 to 6 months of age hasn't been shown to prevent eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis or food allergy. Advertising Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic … Fitness, health and wellness tips sent to you weekly Like many pediatricians, I recommend that you introduce solid food to your baby no earlier than 6 months old. Here are some great reasons why you should wait until your baby is 6 months old to start solids: Baby’s digestive system will be more mature Baby will have a better immune system As babies move towards 6 months they will start to display signs that they’re ready to start solids and their digestive systems are more developed to help them digest foods better. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. And longitudinal study conducted in Belarus found no differences in Still, iron needs rise sharply in the second half of the first year. This is why theSome researchers to speculate that there is something of a Like so many parenting decisions, the actual evidence suggests that we can all relax a bit. The WHO crafted its guidelines to maximize health outcomes in both developing and developed nations. Maybe the baby will sleep better and be happier that way.”If your baby is under 6 months old and is taking in enormous quantities of breast milk or formula, really seems unsatisfied with feeding or is fussy all the time, it may have nothing to do with feeding. In breast-fed infants bifidobacteria account for more than 90% of the total intestinal bacteria. Of the reasons given by the WHO, the only truly persuasive one is a reduced risk of illness for the baby during its first 6 to 12 months of life. Breastfeeding prevents the obesity caused by introduction of solids before 4 months of age.