No Harm Done: Starting Solids at 6 Months and 9 Days is Appropriate
You have not caused any harm to your baby by starting solids at 6 months and 9 days old—this timing is well within recommended guidelines and actually optimal for your baby born at 35-36 weeks gestation. 1, 2
Why This Timing is Appropriate for Your Baby
Chronological Age is What Matters for Your Baby
- For babies born at 35-36 weeks (late preterm), standard feeding guidelines apply using chronological age, not corrected age. 2
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solid foods around 6 months of chronological age, with the acceptable window being 4-6 months. 1, 3
- Your baby at 6 months and 9 days falls perfectly within this recommended timeframe. 1, 2
The Risks of Delaying, Not Starting Now
The evidence actually shows potential harm from waiting too long, not from your current timing:
- Delaying introduction of solids beyond 6 months increases the risk of iron deficiency anemia, inadequate nutrient intake, growth deficits, and feeding problems. 4, 1, 3
- At 6 months, your baby's iron stores from birth are now depleted, making iron-rich foods a priority. 2
- Starting at 6 months and 9 days means you're introducing solids at exactly the right time to prevent these nutritional deficiencies. 1, 2
What the Guidelines Actually Say
The 4-6 Month Window
- The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology guidelines state that solid foods should not be delayed beyond 4-6 months of age. 4
- There is insufficient evidence for delaying introduction of solid foods beyond this window, even in at-risk infants. 4
- Restricting developmentally appropriate solid food variety beyond age 6 months can lead to inadequate nutrient intake, growth deficits, and feeding problems. 4
No Evidence of Harm from Your Timing
- Research shows that the monthly risk of hospitalization for diarrhea or lower respiratory tract infection was not significantly higher in infants who had received solids, and the risk did not vary significantly according to the age of starting solids. 5
- The concern about starting "too early" applies to introduction before 4 months due to gastrointestinal and motor immaturity—not to starting at 6+ months. 6
Moving Forward: What to Focus On Now
Prioritize Iron-Rich First Foods
Since you're starting now, focus on what matters most nutritionally:
- Begin with iron-rich foods as the priority, since your baby's iron stores from birth are now depleted. 2
- Iron-rich vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, squash, carrot, and white potato (as smooth, thin purees) are suitable first foods. 1, 2
- Finely ground meats (beef, lamb, chicken, or fish) and iron-fortified infant cereals are also recommended. 2
Introduce Allergenic Foods Without Delay
- Allergenic foods like peanut, egg, dairy, and wheat can be introduced at the same time as other complementary foods, starting around 6 months. 1, 2, 3
- There is no evidence supporting delayed introduction of allergenic foods beyond 4-6 months, even in at-risk infants. 4
- Introduce one new food at a time and wait at least 4 days before introducing another to observe for potential reactions. 1, 2
Normal Responses to Expect
- Initial hesitation or refusal of new foods is common and normal; your baby may need 8-10 exposures to accept a new food. 1, 3
- Small gagging episodes and mild changes in stool consistency are expected as the digestive system adapts. 1, 3
- Facial expressions showing surprise or confusion are normal reactions to new tastes and textures. 1, 3
Common Pitfall to Avoid
The only timing-related mistake would be continuing to delay solids further from this point: