Is my baby ready to eat solid foods? How will I know when my baby is ready?

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How will you know when your baby is ready to eat solid foods?

The question of when you’ll know if your baby is ready to eat solid foods is a tough one to answer.  There are many variables and as we know, all babies are different.  It’s usually when babies are around 3 or 4 months old that many parents start to feel that baby may need “something more” than formula or breast milk.

You may find your baby may suddenly waking up more often at night or eating more often than has been typical. While waking at night for a feeding could be an indicator that your baby is ready for solid food, there might be another reason: a growth spurt ypically occurs between 3 and 4 months of age.  This growth spurt often accounts for your baby’s increased appetite, but is not necessarily a sign that your baby needs solid foods.  These demands for increased feedings are your baby’s way of obtaining the crucial nutrition her body needs during this time of rapid growth. Babies have a tremendous ability to know just what they need and when they need it.  Remember, during these early months formula and/or breast milk are your baby’s most important source of nutrition.

Studies show that babies are highly individual in developing a readiness for solid foods.  One baby might seem to be ready for solids at 4 months, while another shows no signs of readiness until around 6 or 7 months.

Since appetite alone is not a reliable indication, here are a few key signs to look for when trying to determine if your baby is ready to begin the journey into solid foods:

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Some other (but less reliable) baby developments that may be viewed as signs of being ready to eat solid foods

These signs may include the following:

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Read About the Stages of Solid Foods for Babies

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