Starting Solids: When is the right time?

Did you know starting solids too early may contribute to obesity?

Evidence have shown that starting solids before 4 months old is associated with obesity, both in infancy and early childhood.¹

"Introduction of solid foods before 4 months was associated with a SIXFOLD INCREASE in odds of OBESITY at age 3 years"

- Susanna Y. Huh, et al. ¹

So, when is a good time to start?

As advised by American Academy of Pediatrics, U.S. National Institutes of Health, World Health Organisation and UNICEF, it is recommended to wait till baby is approximately 6 months old and demonstrating signs of readiness before introducing solids to them. ^2-4

What are the signs of readiness for solids?

✓ Sitting: Baby can sit with minimal support

✓ Head Control: Baby has good head and neck control

✓ Reach & Grab: Baby is able to place hands or toys to his/her mouth

✓ Interest: Baby eagerly watches you eat, mouths for food, or leans forward for food ⁵

A friendly reminder: We've done our research, but you should too! Do check our sources against your own, and always exercise sound judgment. No content should be used as a substitute for direct medical consults with your medical doctor or health professional.

Sources:

1/ Pediatrics, Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Timing of Solid Food Introduction and Risk of Obesity in Preschool-Aged Children. Susanna Y. Huh, Sheryl L. Rifas-Shiman, Elsie M. Taveras, Emily Oken and Matthew W. Gillman Pediatrics. March 2011, 127 (3) e544-e551

2/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/when-to-introduce-solid-foods.htm

3/ UNICEF. (n.d.). Feeding your baby: When to start with solid foods. UNICEF Parenting. https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/feeding-your-baby-when-to-start-solid-foods

4/ World Health Organization. (2020, August 24). Infant and young child feeding. https://Www.Who.Int/News-Room/Fact-Sheets/Detail/Infant-and-Young-Child-Feeding.

5/ “American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Starting Solid Foods. Https://Www.Healthychildren.Org/English/Ages-Stages/Baby/Feeding-Nutrition/Pages/Switching-To-Solid-Foods.Aspx.