Don't start solids until your baby does this
When you are considering starting solids with your baby, it’s essential to understand the signs of readiness. One crucial sign to watch for is the tongue thrust reflex.
What is the Tongue Thrust Reflex?
All babies are born with a tongue thrust reflex, a natural mechanism designed to protect their airway. If anything unexpected gets into their mouth, infants will instinctively spit it out. You can observe this reflex by placing your finger or a pacifier on your baby’s tongue. If the reflex is still present, your baby will push the object out with their tongue.
Why is it Important?
The tongue thrust reflex plays a protective role in an infant’s early months. When breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or using a pacifier, caregivers typically aim the nipple toward the roof ofthe baby’s mouth to bypass this reflex and encourage sucking. This natural reflex is crucial but should diminish by the time your baby is around six months old.
However, families sometimes mistakenly start solids too early. If your baby still has the tongue thrust reflex and you offer a spoonful of solid food, they will spit it out. This reaction isn’t a sign of dislike for the food but an indication that they aren’t ready for solids yet.
Be Patient
The tongue thrust reflex usually fades away by the six-month mark. It’s important not to rush this process. When the reflex is gone, it’s a beautiful time to start introducing solids. Patience during this transition ensures that your baby is developmentally ready to handle solid foods, making the experience more enjoyable for both you and your baby.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the tongue thrust reflex or starting solids, feel free to put them in the comments. We’re here to help you and your baby through this exciting stage of development.
Remember, your baby’s readiness for solids is a significant milestone that should not be hurried. Observing the tongue thrust reflex and waiting for it to fade is a crucial step in ensuring your baby is ready for this next phase in their growth.
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