Babies can start eating baby food or solid foods when they are around 6 months old. This is the general recommendation from health organizations such as the NHS, CDC, and others. Introducing solid foods around 6 months is important because:
- Breast milk or infant formula provides sufficient energy and nutrients up to about 6 months.
- Waiting until 6 months allows the baby's digestive system and kidneys to mature enough to handle solid foods.
- Babies develop skills like sitting up with support, controlling their head, and swallowing food better by this age.
- Introducing solids helps provide nutrients like iron and zinc, which become necessary as babies grow.
- It supports the development of eating skills and muscle development for speech.
Babies should show signs of readiness, such as good head control, sitting up with support, showing interest in food, and being able to swallow instead of pushing food out of the mouth. When starting, offer small amounts of soft or pureed food, and breast milk or formula should remain the main source of nutrition for the first year. Introducing a variety of foods and textures gradually while continuing with breast milk or formula is advisable. It is not recommended to start solid foods before 4 months. Introducing solids too early can pose risks such as increased allergy or obesity risk, and the baby’s kidneys and digestive system might not be ready. If a baby was born prematurely or you have concerns, it's best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. In summary, babies usually start eating baby food at around 6 months of age, when they show readiness signs and their nutritional needs evolve beyond breast milk or formula.
