Introducing Solids: Is Your Baby Ready?

Most parents look forward to the time when they can introduce solid foods to their babies. Many infants seem even more impatient than their parents! You little one may be practicing; making chewing motions with her mouth and may no longer be satisfied with just the breast or bottle. Find out how to tell if Baby is ready, and what to do when it is in fact time to transition to solid food.

Before Getting Started

Before buying baby spoons and stock-piling baby food, keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months of your child's life. And your pediatrician is the last say when deciding if you should offer baby food to your little one. You and your pediatrician will discuss if your family's history (if you or any of your baby's siblings have allergies) and whether or not your baby is ready to start solids before the six-month mark (some babies are).

The Taste Test

When introducing new foods to any baby, test each one for at least five days in a row to watch for reactions, such as rashes or diarrhea. It's best to test early in the day in case a new food leaves the baby gassy or uncomfortable—something you'd rather find out during the day than in the middle of the night.