Solids: Too Early or Too Late? Is timing important?

All babies are different. Your baby is born with his own "iron store" which lasts about 6 months. The recommended age to start solids is around 6 months, but not before 4 months. At around 6 months he needs iron and other nutrients which breast milk or formula alone can no longer provide.

Some babies may be ready before 6 months but there is no advantage giving your baby solids early.

How do I know when my baby is ready?

• He watches you eat and reaches for food


• He leans forward and opens his mouth when food approaches


• He can hold his head up and has good head and neck control


• Milk feeds alone no longer satisfy him


• The “extrusion reflex” disappears

The extrusion reflex is what happens when you give baby food on a spoon too early – his tongue pushes out and the food simply comes straight out again! This reflex disappears at around 4-6 months and your baby will be able to push food to the back of his mouth with his tongue.

Giving solids too late.
Delaying starting solids is also not a good idea because:

• Your baby may not grow adequately because exclusive milk feeds no longer provide enough nutrients and energy needed for normal growth and development


• Your baby may be prone to infections because he is not getting enough iron and kilojoules (energy). There is some readily available iron in breast milk and formula but it is not sufficient to meet baby’s iron needs after 6 months.


• Foods which contain iron are important


• Your baby needs to learn to chew for healthy jaw development.


• This helps speech development later on.