This handout will give you information about 1) the benefits of breast-feeding and the best time to introduce solid food and 2) baby-led weaning.

Benefits of Breast-Feeding and the Best Time to Introduce Solid Food

Why should I delay feeding my baby solid food?

Health experts agree that it is best to wait until your baby is around six months old before offering solid food.   The major reason for this recommendation is that breast milk—or formula—is the perfect food for babies.  It contains all the nutrients they need.  If babies eat other foods too early, they will miss out on vital nutrients. Most babies will become ready to eat solids by six to nine months of age.   The following organizations recommend that all babies be breastfed or bottle fed only (no cereal, juice or any other foods) for the first six months of life (not the first four to six months):

• American Academy of Family Physicians  http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/policy/policies/b/breastfeedingpolicy.html
• American Academy of Pediatrics (section on breastfeeding)
• http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/100/6/1035.full
• Australian National Health and Medical Research Council

http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines/publications/n29-n30-n31-n32-n33-n34

• UNICEF  (http://www.unicef.org/nutrition/index_breastfeeding.html)
• World Health Organization  (http://www.who.int/topics/infant_nutrition/en/)

Some reasons to delay solid foods are listed below.  The evidence for some of the reasons assumes that your baby is breastfed or fed breast milk only.  Experts recommend that solids be delayed for babies that are fed formula also.