We explain why you shouldn't start solids too early, and why you shouldn't leave it later than six months.

Not too early

Most babies are not ready for mixed feeding before six months because:

• They cannot make all the right enzymes to digest a variety of foods and their kidneys may not be mature enough to cope with foods other than milk.
• They have not yet developed enough co-ordination to cope with the foods put into their mouths, and can’t maintain the posture needed to swallow.
• Their kidneys may not be mature enough to cope with anything more than milk.
• If solid foods are introduced early, babies may be more at risk of developing allergies.
• The early introduction of foods may be linked to an increased risk of respiratory illness, coeliac disease, and wheezing in childhood.
• The early introduction of solid foods is associated with an increased percentage of body fat and may contribute to a child being overweight.

Not too late

Most babies are ready to try new foods by the age of six months because:

• The stores of iron that babies are born with are running out; babies need to get new iron from foods.
• Milk is a bulky food; babies have to take more and more of it to meet their needs whereas solid foods are more concentrated.
• Their jaw and tongue have developed enough to cope with eating and swallowing foods.
• The process of learning how to deal with foods helps a baby’s mouth and tongue to develop and helps a baby prepare for speech.
• Most babies begin to cut teeth by six months.
• Many babies begin to pick up things and put them in their mouth; a sign they’re ready to experiment with new tastes!

The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Unless otherwise advised by your health professional, solid foods in any form (baby jars, cereals or rusks) should not be started any earlier than six months.