Answer: Hi there,
16 weeks we know is the absolute minimum for a baby to start solids, prior to that their digestive and immune systems are not able to cope, amongst other issues. Generally, you would only start a baby at this age under the guidance of a health care professional, for example bubs with reflux may start earlier than norma.

I would also check that baby’s tongue extrusion reflex (tongue poking) is diminishing as this would suggest that bub is able to cope with food and moving it about his mouth in preparation for swallowing. Babies needs to develop the oral mechanics to cope with solids otherwise they tend to gag and simply spit it out.

Baby’s head control is very important as this will allow for the clear passage of food down his throat and reduce the risk of food going down the wrong pipe, so be very confident about his head control.

Ideally I would wait a little longer. Most information still suggests not before four months, it is a great stage and I can remember aching to get my first bub onto solids, but honestly, waiting just four more weeks may mean baby progresses faster (babies who start early can take longer to adjust) and this makes it more fun for you all.

If you would like to really get ready for the big day, I have some tip sheets on Huggies on starting solids and also a book on starting and progressing through solids, the links are:

Solids
http://www.huggies.com.au/baby-care/baby-feeding/solids

Book club
http://www.huggies.com.au/benefits/book-club
(it is at the end as the books are listed in alphabetical order)

Plus a great little fridge chart I did with Organic Bubs on solids on my

site:
Www.sneakys.com.au <http://Www.sneakys.com.au> under the nutrition resources page.

That reading should mean that you will be soooo ready to make a great start.
All the best and have lots of fun with the solids
Leanne