How to Delay Introducing Solids to a Baby

It is becoming well known that modern medical advice is to wait to introduce solids to your baby until he is 6 months old. However, many people are not aware that delaying the introduction of solids even longer can have dramatic benefits for your child.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Continue frequent breast or bottle feeding past the 6-month mark. At this time, your infant is becoming aware of the outside world and may be distracted and difficult at feeding time. However, if you plan to delay solids, it is essential that you maintain adequate intake of breast milk or formula.
2. Educate yourself about the benefits of delaying solids. Milestones such as the first bite of solid food are fun and looked forward to with anticipation. This often leads to babies being fed solids earlier than they need them. But if you know the benefits of delaying solids, you are less likely to introduce solids simply because of the novelty of it.
3. Communicate with your family and caregivers. Many older friends, caregivers and grandparents remember starting their children on solids at just a few weeks of age. They may pressure you to feed solids before you and your baby are ready. It is important to let them know your plan and your reasons for it, which should help with any resistance you might encounter.
4. Allow your baby to satisfy her need to chew with teething rings and plastic spoons. Allowing your infant to hold a small plastic spoon and bring it to her mouth to chew is a great way to practice for feeding and desensitize your baby to having a spoon in her mouth.
5. Ask for support from your pediatrician. Many modern doctors are supportive of the decision to delay solids. They can reassure you that your child is thriving on breast milk or formula by taking their weight and height measurements. They can also remind you of the health benefits of delaying solids, such as fewer food allergies, gastrointestinal reactions to new foods and choking incidents.