At what age should infants typically be introduced to textured solid food?

Infants are typically introduced to textured solid foods around 4 to 6 months of age as their digestive systems begin to mature and they show signs of readiness for solid foods. At this age, babies have generally developed better head and neck control, which allows them to sit upright while eating, and they may start showing interest in foods and can move food to the back of their mouths to swallow. This developmental stage is crucial for transitioning from a diet solely based on breast milk or formula to textures that will help them learn to chew and swallow more solid foods.

Introducing textured foods at this appropriate age is also beneficial for their sensory development, aiding in the development of oral motor skills necessary for speech and other future eating habits. Waiting too long to introduce solids can contribute to issues with food acceptance and increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Hence, the recommendation aligns with promoting healthy eating habits and developmental milestones in infants.