Premature Introduction of Solids to a Baby

Premature Introduction of Solids to a Baby
By Colleen Riordan, CCC-SLP
Speech and Feeding Therapist, Kids Place

First milestones for babies can be very exciting for a new parent.  First smiles, first words, and first steps are moments to be cherished.  But is there such a thing as pushing for these milestones to happen too early?  In the case of introducing solids to an infant, the answer is yes.  Although common advice is to begin introducing solids at 6 months of age, some health professionals are now giving the green light for solids at 4 months of age.  Recent polls have also revealed that some infants are receiving their first tastes of infant cereals and purees as young as 2 months.  Although it may be tempting to give your baby solids before 6 months of age, it is important to take into account your baby’s nutritional needs, gastrointestinal maturity, oral-motor development and a number of readiness cues.

Nutrition

Through the age of 6 months, breast milk or formula provides all of your baby’s nutritional needs.  In fact, many infants can thrive on breast milk or formula alone through 9 months of age.  Infant cereals and purees cannot provide the necessary calories, fat and nutrients for an infant’s developing body and mind.  Between the ages of 6 and 9 months, introduction of solids is for practice only; breast milk or formula is essential.  Some erroneously believe that infant cereal is necessary for iron supplementation. This is untrue.  Typically developing infants are born with iron stores to last them at least through the seventh month of life.  Another myth is that adding cereal to a bottle before 6 months of age will help a baby sleep through the night.  There are no studies to support this idea.  Adding cereal will change the nutrient content of the formula, and is linked to higher risk of obesity later in life.

Gastrointestinal Maturity

Before 6 months of age, infants have what is referred to as an “open gut”.  They are unable to filer out harmful substances and allergens.  Similarly, the intestinal tract is also unable to facilitate adequate absorption of nutrients in anything other than breast milk or formula, which contains enzymes to digest fats, proteins and starch.   By feeding a baby solids before his GI tract is mature, there is a higher risk of diabetes and food allergies.

Oral-motor Skills

Babies will exhibit a tongue thrust reflex which disappears between the ages of 4 and 6 months.  This reflex exists to protect an infant’s airway.  Before 6 months, infants will exhibit a sucking motion, a movement that is effective for anterior/posterior transit of liquids.  In order to deal with solids effectively, infants need to develop some tongue lateralization and rudimentary munching skills.  These skills are typically developed by 6 months.  Add to this the fact that most infants do not get their first teeth until after 6 months; this may be an evolutionary cue to us that infants are just not fully equipped to begin eating solids until after 6 months.

Reading the Cues

Many books will tell you that once a baby has doubled her birth weight, he is ready to begin solids.  Remember, that it is the combination of maturity of intestinal tract, nutritional needs, and oral motor skills that should be taken into account, instead of age or weight.   Conversely, if your baby is underweight at 4 or 6 months, the best nutrition is provided by breast milk or formula, and not solids.  Another cue parents should look for is the infant’s interest in the food that others are eating around her.  While this may be one readiness cue, it is also important to remember that infants are becoming great imitators at this age, mimicking your movements while eating.  This may be more of a social interaction than a cue that she really wants what’s on your plate!

Introduction of solids is one milestone that does not need to be forced. You will be eating with your baby in no time.  For now, enjoy the special moments breast or bottle feeding your infant, as they will go by quickly!