New mothers for all time have asked “when can I start my baby on solid foods”, and it’s a question that I get asked regularly. A hundred or more years ago it may have been a question of necessity because of struggles with breastfeeding and the literal survival of a child. Now, it’s a question of anticipation, overwhelmed by the newness of parenting, or simple convenience. And like everything else in life, there has been an evolution to my response. Following the WHO recommendations, I used to say, “It’s recommended that you wait until at least six months.” Then I began to answer, “Around six months and when they show all the signs of readiness.” Now my answer is, ”Not before six months and they show all the signs of readiness,” What’s changed? Science, new research, and my continued desire to help parents make informed decisions. We simply know more now.
We get so excited to see our babies do new things and we love watching their responses, especially when it comes to tasting new foods! We often catch it on camera or video to share those moments with family and friends. Who doesn’t love watching those videos?! But if I told you that you might be putting them at risk with solid foods too early, would you pause and want to know more? Of course, right? Because as parents we want to do the best for our child. And that’s also why I don’t want you to feel guilty if you have made some choices about solid foods for your little one(s), like I did as a young mom. Parenting is a journey and when we know better, we do better.
The major “why” of waiting to feed solids comes down to new research on microbes! Yup, all those amazing and not so amazing thousands of different strains of bacteria that live in, on, and around us. Those bacteria that make us sick and keep us healthy. Those same bacteria that we’re introduced to from the moment we are born and every moment thereafter. The connection is gut health and the optimal opportunity for a baby to establish a healthy microbiome to last a lifetime. Those same bacteria that we’re now learning have significant effects in our gastrointestinal tract also have an effect on our long term physical health and immune system, including the risk of obesity, diabetes, and allergies.
There is significant research that shows a vaginal birth, immediate skin-to-skin contact, and exclusive breastfeeding should be on everyone’s birth plan. Each of those specific events contributes to the early and healthy establishment of a strong microbiome. Sometimes medical challenges arise and those birth wishes are not in the end realized. The good news is that at about one year of age, most babies have similar bacterial presence in their guts. But what research is also showing is that what happens in between birth and one year contributes to lifelong health. One key factor in the equation is how soon a baby starts eating solid foods.
A baby’s digestive and immune system grows and evolves over months and years. HMO’s, the third most common component of breastmilk is not digestible by the baby. They are present only to feed bacteria in the baby’s intestines creating a healthy gut microbiome. As a baby feeds on an exclusive milk (or formula) diet for at least six months, their digestive system is maturing to be able to digest solid foods. Continuing to ingest the majority of their calories through breastmilk/ formula until about one year of age allows the baby’s digestive system to optimally mature, in turn supporting a well developed immune system. Rushing the introduction of solid foods and the amount of food can tax your baby’s system and interfere with the ideal evolution of their gut health.
If you follow up with research, you will get a range of when and how to start solid foods from resources including WHO, ACOG, AHS, and the Canadian Pediatric Society. This reflects the research they used to create their recommendations, but also acknowledges the individuality of babies. We shouldn’t overlook a baby’s muscular development in their readiness for solid foods, but recognize it as a contributing factor to proper digestion. An interest in food alone is not an indicator of readiness for solids. First, your baby should be able to sit unassisted. They should be able to not only grab food and bring it to their mouth, but have fine motor control to pinch food between their thumb and a finger. Additionally, your baby should be willing to chew food, the first step of proper digestion, and be able to move food to the back of their mouth. This is in contrast to the newborn reflex of pushing things out of their mouth with their tongue. These are the signs of readiness you want to see in your baby before introducing solids.
This is meant to be a caution to parents about rushing those few weeks or even months to start feeding their babies solids before six months and showing all the signs of readiness. Babies will reach these stages at different rates and that is totally fine! Create a positive environment around food in your home and as they near those readiness steps, include your baby in your daily meals. This can be as important as the when and how of feeding solids. And above all else, trust your mom instinct and your baby! Your child has a lifetime of opportunity to enjoy foods, but a small window of time to set their intestinal gut health and immune system up for a lifetime.
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