Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

What is the earliest recommended age to start introducing baby foods to an infant?

1. 3 months

2. 4 months

3. 6 months

4. When the infant starts waking up at night

The correct answer is: 4 months

Introducing baby foods at the recommended age is crucial for an infant's development and health. The appropriate age to begin introducing solid foods is typically around 6 months. However, the rationale behind choosing 4 months focuses on developmental readiness; while some sources suggest that around 4 to 6 months may be suitable for certain infants showing signs of readiness (such as being able to sit up with support, showing interest in food, or the ability to move food to the back of the mouth), it is essential to be cautious and well-informed about the infant's needs. At 6 months, most infants demonstrate the necessary physiological readiness for solids, including better digestive capabilities and the coordination to swallow food without gagging. Introducing solid foods too early, particularly before 4 months, can increase the risk for allergies and possibly interfere with the infant's natural feeding patterns, particularly breastfeeding. Thus, while some guidelines may refer to 4 months as a starting point, the optimal and most commonly recommended age is 6 months for introducing a variety of baby foods into an infant's diet.