If you're breastfeeding your baby you are doing your child a service. Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition a new baby can get. It gives them a good start at a healthy life. Once they turn six months old, however, your baby needs more than you can give him or her. Breast milk is no longer the best option since it no longer contains all the nutrients that a baby needs to grow strong and develop properly.
Studies have shown that if mothers wait until their child is six months old before introducing solid foods they greatly reduce the risk of allergies. This can be important if you have a family history of severe allergies.
However if you insist on introducing solids to your baby's diet earlier than six months you should avoid foods containing gluten such as eggs, cheese or fish. Always consult your doctor before making important decisions regarding your baby's diet.
You'll find your baby is ready for a change if they can lift their head. It's important that your baby be able to keep their head up straight when they eat with a spoon.
At first, you may be required to hold them up while they eat but later on a tall chair may suffice. Another indicator that they are ready to move on with their diet is if they are chewing their food. Your baby should be able to move the food in the back of their mouths in order to be able to swallow it properly.
As your child learns to chew and swallow they will drool less and less. They will eventually start to grow teeth which will make the process easier.
Eating solid foods should help your child to put on a healthy amount of weight. Doctors tell us that babies are usually ready to eat semi-solid food when their birth weight has doubled. This usually happens around sixth months.
And finally, you'll find that your child is ready for solid food when they become intrigued by what you're eating.
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