At what age should children be introduced to solid foods?

Introducing solid foods to children is recommended to begin around 4 to 6 months of age. At this stage, infants typically have developed the necessary physiological skills, such as the ability to sit up with support and the reduced tongue thrust reflex, which makes it easier for them to swallow solids. Additionally, starting solids at this age aligns with the readiness of the infant's digestive system to handle more complex foods beyond breast milk or formula.

Research indicates that waiting until at least 4 months generally reduces the risk of developing food allergies, while also ensuring that the infant is developmentally ready. Each child is unique, and caregivers should consult healthcare professionals to determine the best time to start solids for their individual children, but the 4 to 6-month window is a widely accepted guideline.

The other options suggest introducing solid foods either too early, like at 2-3 months, or too late, beyond 6-8 months and after 1 year, which could potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies as the child grows and begins to need a varied diet. Therefore, the 4-6 month range is the most appropriate and supported by pediatric health guidelines.