why can't babies have solids before six months old?

Answer 1

Some babies are able to tolerate baby cereals at 4 months of age, you are not supposed to introduce cereals before this. You must go through all the cereals (from rice, oatmeal and so on) to eliminate any allergies they may have. There are new studies that suggest that even at 4 months of age babies are not able to even tolerate cereals. In fact, at my twins 4 month vaccination shots, the nurse said no cereals until 6 months, the pediatrics association has now said babies stomachs and digestive system is still too immature to tolerate anything but breast milk or baby formula.

With that said, every baby is different and every mother is entitled to feed her child as she wishes.

you should not put cereal in your baby's bottle. The whole idea of feeding cereal to your baby is to introduce a new way of eating, with a spoon. You are teaching your baby to eat the way we eat. Putting cereal into their bottle is defeating the whole purpose. If your baby is still hungry after their feeding, they obviously need their ounces per feeding upped to satisfy their hunger. Baby cereal and baby foods are NOT supposed to replace any breastfeeding or formula feeding.

Answer 2

i have had 4 and i started them all on baby solids a 3 months

Answer 3

This really annoys me, i have 7 children, my first born 14 years ago and then cow & gate did baby food for 3 month old babys, all these new rules is stupid, go with what you feel is right for your baby, i have fed all of mine baby rice from 8-9 weeks no harm has come of it and in fact it made them sleep through the night much quicker than my friends babys.

if your baby is not happy with just milk or seems to be hungrey again say an hour after a bottle it means he/she is not full, just try a little rice, they do flavoured ones too, strawberry and banana.

i feel 6 months is to old to start on solids.

Answer 4

health visitors recommend from about 6 mths now, has the baby`s digestive system is not big enough to digest food properly which can just store inside of them, known as stools, which can lead to constipation. when the time is right start your child on baby rice and over a period of time introduce them to new foods. it is a learning game with your first but remember it is only a guide line and every kid is different.

Answer 5

My baby was on Baby Rice at three months and then esating Porridge, Weetabix and soft cheese at four months, it was my Health Visitop that suggested I do it!
My daughter is healthy and strong, so I don't believe all this rubbish about no solids before 6 months, give your baby food when u think they are ready for it"

Answer 6

They can, but it depends on each individual baby. You should never put cereal or other food in a babe's bottle, and nothing but mother's milk (or formula) for little ones under 4 months.

Introduction of solids too soon can cause severe food allergies to develop. VERY severe, life-threatening in some cases.

All newborn babies have the "extrusion reflex". This is when something is placed on their tongue, they stick their tongue out!This is necessary for breast or bottle feeding.
In order for us to swallow solids, our tongue must push back towards our throat. We must wait for this extrusion reflex to fade (~4-6 months of age) before a baby can swallow solids properly. This is why babies learning how to eat solids make such a mess!! Their tongue keeps pushing the food out and we keep scooping it off their chin and shoveling it back in!!!!

Answer 7

Says who, your Dr.? I NEVER listen to them, they are STUPID when it comes to that. It is only a recommendation. If your baby is less than 6 months old, and bottles or breast seems like it is not enough, give the baby some rice cereal or try a plain fruit or vegetable. But remember ONE at a time and wait a few days to see if there are any allergies before you try another. There are no laws against feeding them at a young age, all of my kids were 4 months old when I gave them solid food. I would wait for the meats though until about 5 months old. If you are planning to give he baby juice, use apple, pear, or white grape to start, then move on to blends. DO NOT give the baby too much juice though, one bottle of 4 ounces a day or every other day will safice. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Answer 8

The World Health Organisation recommends waiting until 6 months, because starting any earlier CAN cause food allergies, digestive problems and even obesity. There is more information at http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/babys-first-foods.html

Answer 9

Because their digestive system is unable to cope with solids before this age, also the child should get their calorie intake from their milk and introducing solids before this age will interfere with this

Answer 10

because they can not digest the molecules at that stage and it encourages allergies such as astma etc
try to stick it out your baby will do better no matter what gran your mum or your freinds say stick with medical advice that is evidence based a lot of these answers are just opinion but the latest medical evidence states six months ask your health visitor if you are in the uk they will be delighted to help the person who never listens to her dr ?? why does she go there in the first place ??