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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- New parents often struggle with when to introduce solid foods to a baby's diet.
Five-month-old Hannah's mom started her on solids at just 3 months old. But she asked the pediatrician first.
"She had problems with acid reflux and was eating 32 ounces of formula or more per day. That's when my doctor said it's time to get some food in her instead of so much formula," said Jill, Hannah's mom
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solid foods between 4 and 6 months-old. But it depends on the child. It's important they have good control of their head and are producing enough saliva to help with digestion.
Dr. Kenneth Wible said some babies will let parents know when it's time.
"If the baby's watching what others are eating and showing interest, then they're sort of saying, 'Hey, I'm ready to try that.' That may be a good time," Wible said.
Some studies suggest a link between when solids are introduced and the risk of food allergies. Wible said the findings contradict each other. But by 6 months old, most babies can benefit from more protein than the liquid diet can provide.
It can be a messy transition, but doctors said that is to be expected.
"We do a lot of laundry, but it's one of those things, and they get messier as they grow up, so we just deal with it," Jill said.
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