Starting Solids

June is 4 1/2 months old and the subject of starting solids has come up. "They" say you can start anywhere around 4-6 months, though plenty of people wait until much later than that. It's hard to know exactly when you should start. Our daycare provider said she sometimes acts fussy at the end of her bottle, so maybe we should start solids. The American Association of Pediatrics says it's best to wait until 6 months, and to continue breastfeeding until 12 months. Our pediatrician just told us to read June's cues and do what feels best, and that it can't hurt to wait rather than rush it.

It's suggested to wait until:

• She can sit up well while unsupported. June's doing pretty well at this. If I'm behind her she'll sit up carrying all of her own weight, but she still totters back and forth quite a bit. If she gets distracted she leans too far forward and plops on her chest.
• She seems interested in our eating and food. June's definitely interested. She watches us intently while we eat and has reached out for our cups and utensils.
• She no longer has such a strong tongue-out reflex, meaning she wouldn't be so inclined to push the food out of her mouth. I know June still sometimes spits her pacifier out, but in general I think she's around this stage. She'll chew on our fingers without trying to push them out.

There are plenty of good reasons to wait.

• The longer you wait, the more likely she'll be to have a lot of interest in the food you're giving her.
• She's less likely to develop allergies to the foods you give her.
• She'll be better protected from illness since she's still getting full helpings of breast milk.
• Her digestive system will be better developed, so she's less likely to have issues digesting food (gassiness, constipation)

Right now we're thinking her first food will be mashed up avocado mixed with breast milk. I can't wait to see how she likes it!