Ace the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) Exam 2026 – Leap into Your Nursing Adventure!

The introduction of solid foods to an infant's diet is a crucial milestone in their development, and the current guidelines from health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend starting around 6 months of age. However, the choice of 4 months reflects an older guideline and is still a common belief among some caregivers.

At around 4 months, infants may show readiness signs such as the ability to hold their head up, sit with support, and demonstrate interest in food. Starting solids at this age is sometimes deemed appropriate for infants who are showing readiness for more than just milk or formula. It's important to note that introducing solid foods too early, like at 3 months, can pose risks, including potential digestive issues and allergies. Therefore, while the option of 4 months aligns with some practices, the best evidence supports waiting until 6 months to ensure the infant's digestive system is ready and to promote optimal nutrition.

The suggestion of starting when the infant wakes up at night is not a standardized recommendation and does not correlate directly to developmental readiness for solid foods. Thus, while 4 months may seem reasonable to some, waiting until 6 months is considered best practice in current pediatric guidelines.