Many parents find themselves eager to get their child started on solid foods as soon as they can. While there are understandable reasons for wanting to get your child to start eating solid food items, it is important that you do not begin feeding your baby solids too early.

It is generally recommended to begin with solids somewhere between four and six months of age. Your breast milk or infant formula will be able to provide your baby with all of the nutrients that he or she needs for the first 6 months or so, so there’s no need to rush to start baby foods. It is also believed that starting solids too early can cause your child to develop food allergies.

During the first few months of a baby’s life, its intestinal tract is still developing and may not be able to handle solids properly. Feeding a baby solid foods during this time period can result in stomach issues and other unpleasant things. Another obvious concern with an early start on solid foods is the risk of choking. A young baby does not have his or her full swallowing ability down yet which can result in the child choking on solids.

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