My ped says the earlier food is introduced the greater the risk for allergies.
At Sarah's 4 month appt the doctor told me we could experiement with stage 1 foods...but not to push anything....if she didnt seem interested. She didnt seem interested until the 5th month.....after trying for a month....
Just make sure when starting to start one kind at at time for a couple of days to prevent bad reactions to diff foods.
My pedi said that we could start my daughter on cereal at 4 months, then a few weeks later start her on baby food. He said by the time she is 6 months she would be at breakfast, lunch and dinner. At her 4 month check up she was 12lbs 2oz. She is now 6 months and eats 3tbs cereal and 2.5oz baby food for breakfast and dinner and 3.5oz food for lunch.
I think it's up to you. I know some parents and pedi's have different views on when a baby can or can't eat baby food or when they need to eat it. The American Pediatrician site I believe says its ok to start food at 4 months. You just want to make sure your giving the purreed kind until your baby can sit up on their own without support, then you can move onto the thicker foods.
I'd do as the ped. said...
I agree with JoyRenee. I know a lot of people that start cereal etc at 4 months, but I also like to wait until 6 months. That is when most babies naturally develop the ability take the food descendant anyway. I guess I just never found any worth while benefits to starting so early and found many more negatives like what Joy brought up.
On her last appt. (a month ago) her ped said that we were going to start her on cereal. I asked her about baby food and she said not yet, that she'll let me know..
Has she had her ped. appointment yet? Usually at that appointment the pediatrician will give the go ahead on foods if baby is fine. I personally try to wait until 6-12 months to introduce food to avoid food allergies and the fact their tummies may not be able to digest the food well (tummy aches, gas, etc.).