Lisa: regarding your observation that the 4 month mark seems to have
superceded readiness cues (and common sense)--boy, do I agree. Twenty years
ago I remember reading that the cues were the loss of the extrusion reflex
(which you mentioned) and *the ability to sit unaided in a chair* (which is
around 6 months, right?). Dr. Spock (my own mother would have
genuflected at the mention) advised those guidelines (so it isn't
radical advice!) Also, from a practical standpoint, babies who start
solids "later" (around 7 months) can pretty much feed themselves (well,
it ain't pretty--but they enjoy it!) When mothers are given the guidelines
of "4 - 6 months" many go for the lower end because, IMHO, it is human
nature to think of one's own baby as "advanced."

Like the rest of you I spend a fair amount of time explaining the advantages
of holding off starting solids--and usually while facing a porky little baby
who is obviously thriving on "only" breastmilk.

Margery Wilson, IBCLC
[log in to unmask]
Cambridge, Massachusetts
where all the 5-foot snow banks disappeared overnight, but where it is still
very much winter...