Hello Denise -

It has been my personal experience, and also the experience of a few
mothers with whom I have worked, that the babies who show a "delayed"
interest in solids are often sensitive to certain foods, whether or not a
true allergy exists.  My own first child, now five, was not only affected
by things I ate, but had dermatological reactions to detergents, baby
soaps, sunscreens, and the list went on - we even had to switch to cloth
diapers b/c of horrific rashes from disposables.  This baby essentially
refused solids until sixteen months of age (and despite the concerns of
many, remained at the 90th percentile for height and 75th for weight), and
continued to nurse for 3 1/2 years.  Despite her (our) early struggles
with atopy, she is now quite healthy - and a great eater!  I believe that
some such babies do refuse/delay solids for a reason, and have seen others
with similar stories.  I find that explaining this to moms often frees
them to trust their babies, who will let them know when they are ready for
complimentary foods.

Warmly,
Karen Pogge, MD, LLLL

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