Guideline on timing of introducing solid foods

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BfN QUESTIONS THE WISDOM OF TIMING OF BMJ ARTICLE

Marianne Monie, Chair of the nationwide Breastfeeding Network, said: “The Breastfeeding Network recognises that the six months guideline for introducing food other than breastmilk is a recommendation made on the best available research. The evidence supports introducing food when a baby is developmentally ready at around 6 months. Introducing food or infant formula before that time increases the risk of infections.

“Questioning the wisdom of the six-month guideline at a time when babies are at risk of catching swine flu is unfortunate, because exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of secondary infections that can be serious enough to need hospital admission.

“When we discuss starting solid food, we emphasise doing this when your baby is ready. Your baby will show you when this is, because they will be able to sit and hold their head steady, pick up food and put it in their mouth all by themselves - and swallow the food rather than pushing it back out of their mouth.

“Parents should not feel pressured into rushing their baby onto solid food. Waiting until around six months gives another two valuable months of additional protection against chest and stomach infection."

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Note to Editors

The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) is an independent, national voluntary organisation offering support and information to breastfeeding mums and those involved in their care.

For more information on breastfeeding and swine flu, see page ten of the Update on Guidance for Preparing Maternity Services Toolkit: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_108876