There are certainly other things to look at besides weight and length to determine if a child is at nutritional risk.  Signs of nutrient deficiency are a late indicator that the diet has been devoid of nutrients for a while, so the idea is to prevent deficiencies.  Of course lab work is something that can be used to determine if a child is beginning to show nutritional deficiencies, but I think the main reason pediatricians as well as pediatric dietitians encourage the introduction of solids when a baby is about 6 months old is for developmental reasons.  At around 6 months (for a healthy, full term baby), (s)he is ready to try different tastes and textures offered.  The baby is usually ready to explore new foods.  The longer one waits to introduce foods, the more resistant a baby may become to accept them.  In my own practice, I recommend introduction of solids about this time, however, if a mother waits a month or two, I certainly don't worry if the baby is receiving enough breastmilk.

Ginger Carney, RD, LDN, IBCLC, RLC, FILCA
Director, Clinical Nutrition
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, TN
901.595.3315-office
901.595.3202-fax
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Finding cures. Saving children.

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