The Breastfed Baby: Reasons to Delay Solids

Starting solids, according to many of today's leading physicians, shouldn't happen before six months of age. This is especially true for the exclusively breastfed baby. In fact, there are some that argue a breastfed baby should delay solids for up to nine months or even a year in some cases. There are many reasons why this has become such an issue in recent years. Studies show there can be many adverse effects when parents are in a rush to introduce solid foods. Here are the top reasons why:

1. Allergies- The earlier a baby begins solids, the more likely he is going to have an allergic reaction to them. An immature gut is more susceptible to allergens and until baby is around six months of age, he simply doesn't produce enough antibodies to fight this.

2. Milk Supply- Starting solids doesn't necessarily mean you are just adding to a baby's diet. Most likely, you are replacing some of the breast milk he would have been ingesting. The less milk he takes in, the less his mother produces. This could lead to early weaning if mother's supply drops.

3. Anemia- Studies show that a child who is exclusively breastfed for at least seven months is less likely to develop iron-deficiency anemia. When iron-fortified foods or vitamins are introduced too early, the baby can no longer absorb it the way he would if he were only receiving breast milk.

4. Birth Control- For those wishing to use natural child spacing as a means for birth control, it becomes harder once solids are introduced. The more a woman breastfeeds, the more likely her body will repress ovulation.

5. Tummy Problems- A baby's tummy just isn't mature enough in the first six months to properly break down solid foods. This is especially true for breastfed babies, as they've had it easy for so long with the easily digestible breast milk.

6. Immunity- Breast milk provides great immunities for baby that are impossible to replace with any other kind of food. Yes, as long as there is any breast milk in the diet it will help, but only the maximum benefits are received from exclusive breastfeeding.

It is an exciting time for mommies and daddies when their babies start eating solids. It is a change in routine, a milestone, and something that will make lasting memories. (Not to mention a little baby in a high chair eagerly waiting his favorite fruit is just so darn cute!) Perhaps that is why so many parents are overly anxious to begin feeding their baby little jars of food and mixing up rice cereal. However, it is just good common sense to wait.