For safe swallowing, when baby sits up on his own is when solids should be started. Also, early on they have the tongue thrust reflex, which is where they push things out of their mouth with their tongue. Trent started solids at 4 months old to the day, and he gobbled up every bit he was given on the spoon and caught on to the spoon very quickly, within 3 bites he was opening up his mouth for the spoon and able to slurp it off. But he could also sit up by then (he had a tiny head, it's easier to balance). Rice cereal is hard to be allergic to, it's a very simple grain and gluten free. It is often recommended very early for voracious appetites and refluxers.

I voted for 6-7 months, we'll start Katrina after she's 6 months old. My oldest started at 4 months too. Paty didn't say her ped recommended starting solids, she said he was okay with it. A lot of the time doctors will approve something they know their patients' mothers will do anyway, mostly so that the mom doesn't alienate the doctor from her decisions. It's safer for a ped to know what is going on with his patients, whether he approves or not. And so many people do start cereal in bottles early because it honestly does help with appetite and sleeping. I think you guys are being a little hard on Paty and her doctor. Different things work for different people, and general guidelines don't always fit everyone exactly.

Baby's responsiveness when being offered the spoon is the best indication of whether or not they are ready for solids. I don't like the idea of putting cereal in bottles at all, but it does help a lot of babies, and if there's no history of familial food allergies, it shouldn't be slandered so badly.

IMO, anyway.

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