I thought the recommendations was to begin solids no earlier than 6 mos.  I tell families that between 6 and 12 most the babies primary diet is still breast milk, this is a transition time so that baby can learn how to eat foods, don't worry that most of the food lands outside the baby, this is normal and to be expected, breast milk ensures that babe still gets adequate nutrition and by 12 mos most babies will be able to get at least 50% of their calories from foods.  

My own daughter refused to begin solids until 9 mos old and I see a few babies in my practice who decline solids until 7-12 mos.  Most of the babies I see are begging for food by 6 mos and families just can't wait for the first feed so are starting solids at 5 mos in spite of the recommendations and my support for following them!

This is such a hot topic at my weekly baby clinic, most families are truly confused by the many conflicting recommendations and have a difficult time overcoming the pressure to start solids by 4 mos.

Janie Akerlund RN IBCLC
Nurse-Midwifery Birth Center
Eugene, OR 
  
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