By feeding a baby solids too early you might accidently raise their setpoint so they need to eat more than the average child or baby. Keep in mind that this study was considering only one health risk: obesity. ... "Introducing too early can also lead to an increased risk of obesity. What's the Deal With My Baby's Green Poop? Dangers of Feeding Your Baby Solids Too Soon, Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved. Pediatrics. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. When Should You Introduce Your Preemie to Solid Foods? If your baby seems to want solids, you might be eager to start them, but be unsure whether it's safe to do so. Once the iron stored in your baby's liver during pregnancy is used up (at about 6 months of age), iron-rich foods such as meats or iron-fortified cereals need to be added to your baby’s diet. Track your baby’s most exciting moments with our milestone checklist. Paul A. Rufo, MD, MMSc, is an assistant professor of pediatrics and senior investigator in the Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Boston Children's Hospital. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advocates waiting until your baby is at least 6 months old to introduce solids, and definitely not introducing solid food before the age of 4 months. The researchers looked at how the introduction of solids might affect the rate of obesity in pre-school aged children. Introducing babies to complementary foods, or anything other than breast milk or formula, too early can mean that a baby may miss out on important nutrients from milk. Introducing solid food before your baby reaches 4 months of age raises the risk of increased weight gain and obesity, both in infancy and later in early childhood. While there was no substantial connection between the timing of introducing solids to breastfed infants and their risk of preschool obesity, the study still urged parents to stick with the AAP's suggested timing for starting solids—about six months of age.. What Are the Most Common Food Allergies for Babies? Prevalence and Reasons for Introducing Infants Early to Solid Foods: Variations by Milk Feeding Type. Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. However, the 2011 study found that rapid early growth did not explain the increased risk of obesity in preschool-age children. The study's findings indicated that among the infants who were never breastfed (or who stopped breastfeeding before 4 months old), introducing solids before the age of 4 months was associated with a sixfold increase in the odds of obesity at 3 years old. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. doi:10.1542/peds.2012-2265. Once your baby starts solids, the AAP recommends that breastfeeding continue for at least the first year of life, and beyond, as mutually desired by mother and baby. Read our, Medically reviewed by Paul A. Rufo, MD, MMSc, The American Academy of Pediatrics' Position. If you're a new parent, the question of when to start your baby on solid food can feel daunting. For more on introducing solids, including which foods to offer first, read this. However, these indicators do not replace a discussion with your baby's doctor.. Human milk provides all the nutrients (including iron) that babies need for about the first 6 months of life. While these queries can seem like a lot, don't hesitate to ask your pediatrician any questions you have about your baby's nutrition and diet. Consider trying a different food. 2011;127(3):e544-e551. During that time, breast milk (or infant formula) provides all the calories and nutrients your baby needs. One study found that late introduction of solid foods (after 7 months of age) may actually increase the risk of food allergies, suggesting a window of opportunity when it comes to starting solids. Development of Infant Feeding Skills. Introducing solid food before your baby reaches 4 months of age raises the risk of increased weight gain and obesity, both in infancy and later in early childhood. For example, some families tout that solid food will calm a fussy baby, but this belief can lead to introducing them too early. Huh SY, Rifas-Shiman SL, Taveras EM, Oken E, Gillman MW. Risks of introducing solids too early or too late, Consult your child's health care provider before transitioning to cow's milk, and remember, children under the age of 1, How food coloring and additives affect behavior. Introducing solid foods before this time could be harmful or unhealthy for your child. As with all milestones (sitting, eating solids, crawling, etc. As for the latter, I have answers: Here's how introducing solids to your baby too early can affect them later in life. Not exactly. The 7 Best Baby Probiotics of 2020, According to a Dietitian, New Parent's Guide to Baby Bowel Movements, your baby is ready—or almost ready—for solid foods, Timing of Solid Food Introduction and Risk of Obesity in Preschool-Aged Children, Prevalence and Reasons for Introducing Infants Early to Solid Foods: Variations by Milk Feeding Type. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Your baby sits up with little or no support. Countless studies have shown that introducing supplementary foods before at least the fourth month of life poses significant risk and health problems to infants as before this age, – the digestive system, immune system, kidneys and ability to chew and swallow are … Introducing solids before 4 months of age can increase the risk of choking and cause your infant to drink less than the needed amount of breast milk. Well-meaning family members and friends have their own beliefs about introducing solids and may force their opinions on you. (Consult your child's health care provider before transitioning to cow's milk, and remember, children under the age of 1 should not be given fruit juice.). When Can I Give My Baby Fish and Shellfish? It seems the rates of obesity in breastfed babies were quite similar, but does that mean that breastfeeding moms should feel confident that they can start solids as soon as they want? Some babies may be ready for solid foods a bit sooner (4-6 months) and others a bit later (6-8 months).