Last reviewed and revised on December 29, 2009 Claire McCarthy,
M.D. Boston Children's Hospital Starting an infant on solid
foods is something all parents look forward to. And why not?
It's a milestone: a sign that Baby isn't a newborn anymore and
assurance that he'll grow bigger and stronger. Besides, it's fun
to watch Baby's mouth open like a baby bird's, to play "here
comes the airplane" games, and see Baby's expression when he
first tries strained peas. So, as you stock up on bibs, spoons
and bowls, here are some things to keep in mind: Hold off.
Doctors always said that babies should start solids between 4
and 6 months of age. The new recommendation from the American
Academy of Pediatrics is to wait until 6 months of age. Ideally
your baby should be breastfed exclusively before then. Breast
milk is the perfect food for babies, and many studies have shown
the health benefits to baby and mom from exclusive
breastfeeding. But even formula-fed babies simply don't need
solid foods before 6 months. Keep it sim