The slowdown in growth noticed at 4-6 months that prompts the World Health
Organization to recommend solids be started at this time, is seen in
exclusively breastfed babies.
A slow-down in babies on solids, when they start solids, may well be due to
the inappropriateness of the solids, as noted on LactNet. That is why the
World Health Organization infant feeding recommendations specify safe and
nutritionally adequate complementary foods.
Katherine A. Dettwyler, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Anthropology and Nutrition
Texas A&M University