At what age is it recommended to start introducing solids to infants?

At what age is it recommended to start introducing solids to infants?

• A. 4-6 months of age.
• B. 8-12 months of age.
• C. 1-2 months of age.
• D. 9-11 months of age.

Answer: (A)

Introducing solids around four to six months matches an infant’s developmental readiness and nutritional needs. By this age, many babies can sit with support, have better head and neck control, and show interest in food, while the tongue-thrust reflex diminishes enough to handle solids. Starting earlier than this can interfere with breast milk intake and increase choking risk, since the gut and mouth aren’t yet prepared. Starting later can delay exposure to iron-rich complementary foods and the gradual textures babies need to learn. So the four-to-six-month window is the best-fit time to begin solids.

Introducing solids around four to six months matches an infant’s developmental readiness and nutritional needs. By this age, many babies can sit with support, have better head and neck control, and show interest in food, while the tongue-thrust reflex diminishes enough to handle solids. Starting earlier than this can interfere with breast milk intake and increase choking risk, since the gut and mouth aren’t yet prepared. Starting later can delay exposure to iron-rich complementary foods and the gradual textures babies need to learn. So the four-to-six-month window is the best-fit time to begin solids.