The claim: Babies shouldn’t have solid food until age 1 An April 10 Facebook post ( direct link , archive link ) claims babies should only consume one substance until they reach a certain age. “A baby’s gut should not touch solid food until after 1 year old,” reads […]
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The claim: Babies shouldn’t have solid food until age 1
An April 10 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) claims babies should only consume one substance until they reach a certain age.
“A baby’s gut should not touch solid food until after 1 year old,” reads the post. “Only breast milk.”
It was shared more than 3,500 times in just over one week.
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Our rating: Partly false
Though presented as an opinion, the assertion in the post is based on false information. Experts say babies can be introduced to solid food after they reach certain milestones that typically happen by the time they’re 6 months old. Waiting until the baby is 1 year old could lead to developmental and nutritional deficiencies.
Certain milestones indicate baby is ready to eat solid food
Dr. Hailey Nelson, a pediatrician at Valley Children’s Healthcare in California, said while she encourages the post's support of breastfeeding, she was “shocked” to read its claim about solid food.
Babies are ready to be introduced to solid food when they hit developmental milestones that include being able to hold their head up and sit in a high chair, Nelson said.
Nelson's recommendations align with those made by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which says to continue exclusive breastfeeding until those milestones are reached, typically between the ages of 4 and 6 months. It updated its guidance in 2022 to support parents who choose to breastfeed their child to age 2 and beyond, though it encourages the practice in addition to – and not in place of – solid food.
Fact check: Giving water to babies is unsafe before 6 months, can lead to brain damage, death
Nelson recommended starting with “soft and mushy” pureed food to help a baby ease into eating solid food. Over time, parents should increase the serving size and incorporate other foods into their child's diet, she said.
Introducing babies to allergenic foods, such as peanuts, is also encouraged as it can help prevent them from developing an allergy, according to guidance issued by the director of the National Institutes of Health in 2017.
Babies who are introduced to solid food get nutritional benefits and improve their sensory and oral motor development, according to the Kennedy Krieger Institute.
“It’s a developmental step we don’t want to miss out on for them as they’re growing and thriving,” Nelson said.
She said developing a relationship with a trustworthy pediatrician is a vital step in determining what online information is accurate and beneficial for babies.
When reached for comment by USA TODAY, the social media user said the statement was based on "first-hand experience from mothers."
Our fact-check sources:
- Dr. Hailey Nelson, April 20, Phone interview with USA TODAY
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, accessed April 19, Food Before One: Is it Really Just for Fun?
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Aug. 12, 2022, Starting Solid Foods
- National Institutes of Health, Jan. 10, 2017, Peanut Allergy: Early Exposure Is Key to Prevention
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