Starting solids? - Baby Led Solids Chatter #2

[Jennifer13]

6 mths is the recommended minimum age for true BLS, yes. Before 6 mths there is an increased risk both of allergies and to the baby's digestive system due to the baby's system not being mature enough to handle solids, particularly if there is a family history of allergies.

This is from kellymom:

In April 2001, a literature review "of the developmental readiness of normal full term infants to progress from exclusive breastfeeding to the introduction of complementary foods" was jointly published by Wellstart International and the LINKAGES Project. Per the authors, "The review does not focus on health outcomes associated with discontinuing exclusive breastfeeding at a particular age but rather on the biologic/developmental readiness for this complex experience. Four processes or functions were selected for inclusion: gastrointestinal, immunologic, oral motor and the maternal reproductive processes that relate to the continuation of lactation and the provision of breastmilk."

Following are some of the conclusions of this review:

"These clinical reports indicate that the majority of normal full term infants are not developmentally ready for the transition from suckling to sucking or for managing semi-solids and solid foods in addition to liquids until between 6 and 8 months of age."

"Using this available information on the development of oral motor function, maternal reproductive physiology and development of the infant?s immunologic and gastrointestinal function, the expert review team concluded that the probable age of readiness for most full term infants to discontinue exclusive breastfeeding and begin complementary foods appears to be near six months or perhaps a little beyond. The also felt that there is probable convergence of such readiness across the several relevant processes."

Some babies younger than 6 mths seem to be interested in joining in at mealtimes, but it doesn't necessarily mean that they are ready to eat solids - more often it's just the normal developmental urge to do what everyone else is doing.

BUT that should not stop parents who are interested in learning how the process of BLS works joining in this discussion. Like all things, with BLS there are guidelines, but it is up to you if you wish to follow them or not.