There are signs to prove solid readiness before introducing solid food to babies. Until these signs are observed, breast milk or formula provides all the nutrients and nourishment a baby needs.
Babies are yet skills such as swallowing and solid food digestion until they are at least four-months old. World Health Organization (WHO) however recommends six-months exclusive breastfeeding before the introduction of solid foods.
Signs of Solid Readiness
- Head Control: At birth, babies are so fragile and need support for their heads to stay in place. Until your baby can keep his head steady in an upright position, he is not ready for solid food.
- At birth, babies use their tongue to push food out of their mouth rather than move it backwards to swallow. This known as the ‘extrusion reflux’. Babies need to grow fast this stage before solid foods are introduced.
- Babies should show interest in what you are eating by opening their mouth if offered a spoonful and reaching out for food.
- Babies should be able to sit upright before being offered solids.
- When babies seem hungry after 8 to 10 feedings of breast milk or formula, it is sign for solid readiness.