Ready For Solid Food

It's more than a month  since I gradually introduced my now 6 month old baby to solid food.  I was quite hesitant at first, afraid that her still sensitive little tummy can't digest the food. However, after a few days of studying her for signs, I was quite confident that she is in fact ready for solid food even if I didn't see any signs of teething.

Signs to watch out for if baby is ready for solid food:

• Head control. Your baby needs to be able to keep his head in a steady, upright position.
• Sits well when supported.  Your baby needs to be able to sit upright to swallow well.
• Tongue-thrust reflex is gone. To keep solid food in his mouth and then swallow it, your baby needs to stop using his tongue to push food out of his mouth.
• Makes chewing motions.  Your baby's mouth and tongue develop in sync with his digestive system. To start solids, he should be able to move food to the back of his mouth and swallow. 
• Shows interest in food.  Your baby may begin eying and grabbing your food as it travels from your plate to your mouth
• Shows significant weight gain or birth weight has doubled.
• Growing appetite.  Your baby seems hungry after 8 to 10 feedings of breast milk or 40 oz. of formula in a day
• Makes chewing motions.  Your baby's mouth and tongue develop in sync with his digestive system. To start solids, he should be able to move food to the back of his mouth and swallow.

Thank You, First Commenter!