Question

My baby is now three months old. When should I start introducing solid foods?

Answer

Babies should begin introducing solid foods after they are four months old, regardless of the feeding method they are using, to meet their growing developmental needs for calories and various nutrients.

Tips

Babies under three months old should not typically introduce solid foods. Their digestive systems are not yet mature, and introducing solid foods too early may cause indigestion, leading to problems like bloating and diarrhea, and may impose additional burden on kidneys that are not fully developed.

Reasons for Introducing Solid Foods

  • Nutrients obtained solely from breast milk or formula milk are no longer sufficient to meet the baby’s growth needs.
  • Complementary foods help prepare the baby for weaning, assisting them in obtaining a balanced and adequate nutrition.
  • They train the baby’s swallowing ability, transitioning from breastfeeding to chewing and swallowing solid foods, which is another type of eating skill that the baby needs to learn.