If you are a new parent, deciding when to introduce your baby to solid foods may seem daunting. As babies grow, they may become fussy eaters who no longer like milk or baby food. Most parents think this indicates that solid foods should be introduced into the baby’s diet. However, did you know there are side effects of feeding baby food too early?
Different people have different views about introducing a baby to solid foods. Some people say the threshold is six months, while others believe it is preferable to start at four months. However, doctors have something completely different to say on the matter. There can be very distinct dangers of giving baby food too early, so always ensure you have spoken with the doctor before starting solid foods.
What Do Doctors Say About Side Effects Of Feeding Baby Food Too Early?
It has been established that giving solid foods to your baby before four months of age can increase the risk of obesity. This is among the main disadvantages of starting solid food at four months because obesity increases the risk of many other health problems, such as heart and digestive issues.
Studies have shown that babies who were given solid foods before four months of age had a greater risk of suffering from childhood obesity. Although some claim that formula-fed babies experience more rapid growth than breastfed babies, this is not wholly accurate. As long as babies are introduced to solid foods before four months, their chances of becoming obese in childhood will increase.
This is one of the most significant side effects of feeding baby food too early. Many parents seem to think of this weight gain as healthy, but in reality, it is not. Obesity in children can lead to severe problems later in life. Most studies have given a conclusive answer to the question- when can babies eat solid food?
According to doctors, a baby is ready to try solid foods at six months. It is advisable to give the baby only breastmilk or formula until six months. Considering this, most studies have claimed that among the disadvantages of starting solids at four months in babies, obesity is the most common. This does not indicate that obesity is the only problem seen among kids who were given solids too early. This also increases the risk of heart disease, digestive issues, and problems with blood pressure later in life.
Why Does The Timing Of Solid Food Matter?
Indeed, some babies develop faster than others, while others take some time to develop. This can be seen by the signs baby is ready to crawl. Some babies start crawling at 4-5 months, while others take 6-8 months.
In these cases, how can you be sure when to give your baby solid food so that the side effects of feeding baby food too early do not manifest? Always speak to your doctor regarding this. Follow how your baby progresses, not how the calendar goes.
There are also other dangers of giving baby food too early. Babies are only used to drinking milk and liquids for the first few months; hence their digestive system is not advanced enough to process solid food. Moreover, they may choke on solid food if it is introduced before four months. This can make the baby drink less milk and/or baby formula.
Ultimately, the baby will not receive the right kind of nutrition, and this can lead to either malnourishment or obesity. Both conditions have many long-term effects on the child’s health.
So, when can babies start solid food? Ask the doctor about the baby's feeding schedule and if your baby is ready to start solid food. Keep in mind that starting solid foods too late can also have a bad influence on your baby, just as there are side effects of feeding baby food too early. Studies have shown that if babies are introduced to solid foods too late in life, they have an increased chance of developing food-related allergies.
Why Is 6 Months The Right Age For Beginning Solid Foods?
Breast milk and/or baby formula have all the nutrients your baby needs for proper growth and development during the first six months of life. After this, the baby needs to be supplemented with additional nutrients to ensure he/she is growing at the correct rate. Just as there are side effects of feeding baby food too early, delaying their need for solid food will also result in health problems.
Here are some of the things to look out for, which can indicate that your baby is ready for solid foods:
- The baby shows an active interest in what others are eating
- The baby can sit up with no support
- The baby picks up foods and tries to put in in its mouth
- The baby can accept a spoon in the mouth
- The baby can swallow the food without spitting it out
- The baby shows it is full by refusing more food or turning away from the food
In addition to the side effects of feeding baby food too early, it is essential to look for these signs as they help the parent determine if the baby is ready for solid food. If the baby turns away from the spoon or does not swallow the food, it indicates that he/she is not yet prepared for it.
Which Foods Should Be Given To Babies?
Solid food encompasses several different foods, but not all of these can be given to babies. The accepted 0 to 6 months baby food chart includes only breast milk or bottle formula. If your baby shows signs of being interested in solid foods before six months, always speak to the doctor before giving any solid foods. Keep in mind the side effects of feeding baby food too early, which we have outlined here.
Mother should give the baby’s first food in 4-6 months, and it should only be given on the advice of the doctor or the pediatrician. This can include:
- Lentil soups
- Mashed bananas or apples
- Boiled food
- Fruit purees
- Oatmeal with breastmilk/baby formula
These foods have a semi-liquid consistency, which is what you should start your baby with.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that any solid food should be an accompaniment to breast milk or baby formula until the baby is one year of age. The side effects of feeding baby food too early can also show up if the baby is not given adequate breast milk or formula.
Once the baby reaches one year of age and starts to show affinity towards particular solid foods, they can be shifted to a diet of only solid foods. Make sure your baby’s weight at one year is triple the birth weight, and you will know your baby is growing up healthily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are four months too early to start solids?
Yes, four months is very early for the baby to start solid food. Consult your pediatrician or wait until 6 months to give solid food to your baby.
Q2. Why wait until 6 months for solids?
If babies are given solid food before 6 months, they may develop issues such as childhood obesity. Moreover, the baby can choke on solid foods if it is introduced before 6 months.