What is the typical age range for infants to begin solid foods?

Infants typically begin solid foods around 4 to 6 months of age. This timeline is based on various developmental milestones that the child reaches during this period. By 4 to 6 months, most infants demonstrate the ability to sit up with support, have better head and neck control, and show signs of readiness for solid foods, such as interest in what others are eating and the ability to move food to the back of their mouth to swallow it.

Introducing solid foods too early, before 4 months, can pose risks such as increased likelihood of gastrointestinal problems and allergic responses, as infants' digestive systems may not yet be prepared for solids. Conversely, waiting until after 6 months may provide nutritional deficiencies, as breast milk or formula alone may not meet all the dietary needs of the growing infant at that stage.

Overall, the 4 to 6 months age range represents a crucial window where not only physical readiness is observed, but also where the introduction of solids can promote developmental skills and lifelong healthy eating patterns.