Why wait until around six months to introduce solids?
As new research emerges, guidelines change.
When I was in medical school and GP training, the advice was to introduce complementary foods between 4-6 months of age, whenever babies were showing signs of readiness.
The current recommendation by the WHO and NHMRC Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines is to introduce solid foods at around six months (or within a few weeks of this age).
Some of the benefits of delaying solid introduction until closer to 6 months include;
Your baby's more mature immune system is producing enough IgA antibodies to prevent the absorption of food antigens and pathogens, reducing the risk allergies and foodborne illness.
Your baby’s digestive system is better able to process the complex starches in solid foods.
Your baby’s kidneys are better equipped to cope with salt (although it is still recommended to avoid salty & processed foods)
Your baby is more likely to be developmentally ready to transition from suckling liquids to managing solid food (the tongue-thrust reflex has disappeared, baby has improved head and neck control and is increasingly able to sit with minimal support).
Introducing complementary foods is less likely to compromise breast milk supply and cause premature weaning.
By six months, most infants have developed a keen interest in their environment and may adjust more quickly to new flavours and textures at this age.
Research shows that there is no difference in night-waking whether a baby under 6 months is having solids or breastmilk only.
There are circumstances where your doctor might suggest earlier introduction of complementary foods. So always consult with your own GP or paediatrician.
