When should solid foods be introduced to an infant's diet?

The appropriate time to introduce solid foods into an infant's diet is around 6 months of age. This recommendation is based on several important developmental factors. At approximately 6 months, most infants have developed adequate head and neck control, can sit up with support, and exhibit readiness signs such as showing interest in food and the ability to swallow pureed or soft foods.

Introducing solid foods too early, such as at 4 months, may pose risks, including digestive issues or increased likelihood of allergies, as the infant's digestive system may not be fully prepared for anything other than breast milk or formula. Waiting until 8 or 10 months might mean that the infant misses optimal developmental opportunities for learning to chew and explore different tastes and textures when they are most receptive to trying new foods. Therefore, starting at around 6 months balances the need for nutritional advancement and the developmental readiness of the child.