Is It Advisable To Start Solid Food For An Infant Of 6 Months?

Posted on Thu, 30 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 30 Apr 2015 Answered on

Mon, 18 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Should i be starting solid food with my 6 month old if he still has some trouble holding head on his own?

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
you can start no problem

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
Six months is the ideal time for starting weaning foods.
I usually recommend boiled vegetables and fruits like boiled apple as the first weaning food.
You can also start cereals and pulses like cerelac or rice gruel once or twice a day.
Don't delay starting weaning foods for head control.
You need to give him nutrition as breastfeeding alone cannot meet his demands after 6 months.
Continue breastfeeding along with solids. Worldwide it is recommended to breastfeed upto 2 years but slowly decrease breastfeeding frequency and increase solid frequency.
Example: 6 to 8 months Two semi solid feeds per day
8 to 10 months 4 semi solid feeds per day.
After that 6 solid feeds per day.
Wishing your child good health.
Regards
Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar