Starting Babies On Solids - 4 Reasons To Delay

Starting Babies On Solids - 4 Reasons To Delay

Starting solids before the age of 6 months can be putting your baby at risk and the World Health Organisation, along with many health organisations, agree that there are health benefits to starting your child on solids after 6 months of age. Below are 4 reasons why you should delay solids until at least 6 months old.

1. Delaying Solids Decreases The Risk Of Allergies

Research has indicated that breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months and more results in lower incidences of food allergies. If a baby is fed solids before their digestive is fully mature it doesn't' really come as a surprise that they would develop food allergies or problems as a result. The digestive system is still in a fragile state, bombarding with food it isn't ready to handle is going to cause problems.

Between 4 and 6 months of age, a baby's digestive system is considered "open gut". This means that whole proteins and pathogens can easily pass into the bloodstream from spaces between the cells of the small intestine. This lets antibodies from breastmilk pass straight into the bloodstream. These coat the digestive tract and provide passive immunity as well as reducing the likelihood of disease and allergies. Unfortunately though, if you choose to start your baby on solids too soon, this also means that large proteins from food can pass through too (as well as disease-causing pathogens).

At 6 months of age a baby's open gut should be closed and this is also when babies start producing their only antibodies.

2. Delaying Solids Makes Life Easier

If you delay solids, you work with your child's developmental milestones. In this way, when it comes to introducing solids you make your life much easier. First your child is likely able to feed themselves, second they will be able to eat and enjoy it and lastly they won't just spit it out. They are also less likely to have any allergic reactions too.

3. Delaying Solids Protects Against Obesity

There is research to suggest that if you introduce solids very early, your child has an increased likelihood to have weight problems in childhood. Of course though there could be several others factors involved in this, but why add one to the pot.

4. Delaying Solids Helps Protect Your Baby Against Iron Deficiency

One of the myths surrounding the introduction to solids, is that baby doesn't get enough iron from breastmilk and thus needs to be put on solids asap. It is true that breastmilk has less iron than formula, however it is more easily and readily absorbed by the body. In fact it is much more likely that your child will get more iron from breastmilk than formula in this respect. Introducing iron-fortified foods before 6 months can reduce how much your baby absorbs iron, not increase it.

Don't be tempted to introduce solids early. If you are despite what you have read here maybe you need to address why you feel so strongly about it? It is not in the interests of your child to start early and it also will be a lot more hassle for you as a parent. Delay solids, follow your child's lead and introducing solids will be an easy adventure.

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