#asktheexpert hi my son completed 3 months when I will start cerlac

Question

Accepted Answer

For a 3-month-old baby, introducing solid foods like Cerelac is generally not recommended. Most health guidelines suggest waiting until around 6 months of age to start solids. Here's why:

### Why Wait Until 6 Months:
1. **Nutritional Needs:** Until 6 months, breast milk or formula provides all the essential nutrients your baby needs for growth and development.
2. **Digestive System Development:** Your baby’s digestive system and kidneys are still developing and may not be ready to handle solid foods.
3. **Allergy Risks:** Introducing solids too early can increase the risk of allergies and other health issues.

### Signs Your Baby Is Ready for Solids:
- **Sitting Up:** Your baby can sit up with support.
- **Head and Neck Control:** They have good head and neck control.
- **Interest in Food:** They show interest in the foods you’re eating and can reach for and grasp objects.
- **Disappearance of Tongue-Thrust Reflex:** They no longer automatically push food out of their mouth with their tongue.

### Introducing Solids:
When your baby reaches around 6 months of age, you can start introducing solids gradually:
1. **Single-Grain Cereals:** Start with single-grain cereals like rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula.
2. **Pureed Fruits and Vegetables:** Introduce pureed fruits and vegetables, one at a time, to monitor for any allergic reactions.
3. **Texture Progression:** Gradually introduce foods with different textures as your baby gets accustomed to eating solids.

### Summary:
- Wait until your baby is around 6 months old to start introducing solid foods like Cerelac.
- Begin with iron-fortified single-grain cereals and pureed fruits and vegetables.

Always consult your pediatrician before starting any new foods to ensure it aligns with your baby’s individual needs and development.