As you know, all babies are different individuals and you should always remember this. Don’t worry if your baby does not take to solid foods “on schedule”, and don’t let others try to convince you that your 3 month old looks hungry and needs to eat some cereal. Pay attention to your baby’s signals and cues and “watch your baby, not the calendar” when thinking about starting solids.
Most importantly, don’t let others make you feel guilty or second-guess your decisions. You know your baby best! Don’t be pushed into starting solids early and don’t ever feel like you are a “bad” parent if you feel your baby is or is not ready for solids before he’s six months old.
You should discuss the pros and cons of introducing solid foods with your pediatrician – and don’t be afraid to voice your own views and concerns. If your pediatrician insists that you start your 4 month old infant on solids and you don’t feel your baby is ready, voice your concerns and ask the pediatrician to explain her recommendation. The ensuing discussion might surprise you and help you make a decision.
Some parents may be tempted to give in to relatives, grandmothers, friends, and sometimes even their own mothers, who may say things like “Give that baby some real food, she’s starving.” or “Nursing that baby isn’t enough, he needs some real food”.
Remember that breast milk and/or formula is “real food. “ These contain all the important nutrients that an infant needs to develop properly. In fact, introducing solids too early may displace the important nutrition your baby needs to receive from breast milk and/or formula.
Your baby needs formula/breast milk first; solid foods will not offer the proper balance or amount of nutrients to sustain healthy growth