How to know when your baby is ready for solid food

As with most milestones, your baby will let you know when he's ready to move on from a liquid-only diet. A few signs to look for are:

1. He has head control - Being able to keep his head in a steady, upright position
2. He shows significant weight gain- Most babies are ready to start eating solid food once they've doubled their birth weight.
3. He seems hungry- If you're giving a large number of feeding's of breast milk or formula a day.
4. He can sit well- Baby needs to be able to sit upright to swallow well.
5. He is losing the 'extrusion reflex'- Baby needs to be able to keep food in his mouth and then swallow it.
6. He shows chewing motions- Baby should be able to move food to the back of his mouth and swallow.
7. He is curious about what you're eating- Baby may watch you closely when you eat, following the food as it travels from plate to mouth.

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