When Should My Baby Eat Solid Food?

Posted by Carolyn in Baby/Childcare, Diet | Comments Off

No matter if you breastfeed or formula feed, you might be wondering when’s a good time to let your baby eat “real” food. Introducing your baby to other foods shouldn’t be mistaken for “weaning”, which is the process of eliminating breastmilk or formula from your baby’s diet.

When Can My Baby Eat ‘Real’ Food?
Babies should never be given foods or liquids other than breastmilk or formula before they reach six months of age (unless directed otherwise by your pediatrician). After six months, you may try introducing certain pureed foods into your baby’s diet. Some babies might not be interested in food until they’re a few months older.

Avoiding Cow’s Milk
It’s highly recommended that you avoid feeding any foods containing cow’s milk to your baby until they are at least a year old. Babies have very sensitive digestive systems, and may develop an intolerance to cow’s milk if it’s introduced too early.

Supplementing, Not Weaning
Most pediatricians and doctors recommend that you breastfeed your baby at least for their first year. During this time, you can supplement with baby food, but you don’t want to wean your baby too early. Most babies will let you know when they’re ready to wean, by showing more interest in different food varieties. Breastmilk or formula should still be your baby’s primary source of nutrition until they’re ready to be weaned.