Protecting Your Babies Health: Why Delaying Solid Foods is Important

I know, I know. You are the mom and you know your baby best. But what if your decisions regarding your babies feeding schedule are affecting your babies digestive system?

Lately I have noticed so many families with outdated information when it comes to the topic "When to feed my baby solids". Not only do these parents have outdated information. But some are even being given this information by their pediatricians! So lets answer some questions.

How Do I Know My Baby is Ready for Solids?

A baby feeding guide.

1. Your baby is of at least 6 months of age (not 4-6 months).
2. Your baby is able to sit up unassisted.
3. Your baby is showing interest in your food.
4. Your baby has lost their tongue thrust reflex.
5. Your baby is mimicking your eating behaviours.
6. Your baby is able to show you he/she wants or does not want food.
7. Your baby is able to eat off of a spoon.
8. Your baby is ready and willing to chew.

Myths About Starting Solids

1. Your baby will sleep through the night.
2. Breastmilk and/or formula is not enough.
3. My baby is large and needs something "more".
4. My baby drinks so much milk he/she needs some solid food.
5. My baby is underweight and needs solids to put on weight.
6. My baby will have problems with solid foods if I don't start soon enough.

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/solids-when.html#developmental

Why Should I Delay Solid Foods?

1. Delaying solid foods gives baby greater protection from illness.
2. Delaying solid foods gives baby's digestive system time to mature. (cells lining has time to close up)
3. Delaying solid foods decreases the risk of food allergies.
4. Delaying solid foods helps to protect baby from iron-deficiency anemia.
5. Delaying solid foods helps to protect baby from future obesity.
6. Delaying solid foods helps mom to maintain her milk supply.
7. Delaying solid foods makes starting solids easier.
8. Delaying solid foods will decrease the chances of choking.

The Truth About A Babies Feeding Schedule

Babies actually do not need anything but breastmilk or formula for their first year of life. So there is no nutritional reason to be rushed to start solids. Even feeding solids after 6 months of age is just for practice. Since your baby does not need any solid foods. He/she is just learning about new tastes and textures. So please do not replaces your babies milk

Your babies digestive system is not ready for solid foods at a young age. Your babies digestive system is "designed" to efficiently digest breastmilk. And solid foods too early in life can lead to immediate digestive problems. Or be linked to digestive problems later in life. And the only way to tell if your babies digestive system is ready. Is to have a microscope to look at your babies digestive system.

So there is no rush to start solids for any reason.

For more information please check out these links.