HHS HealthBeat (June 6, 2006)

Six months

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Doctors say breast milk is best for babies up to around six months. Breastfeeding seems to lead to healthier babies and moms.

But eventually Baby starts solid food. And a small study supported by the National Institutes of Health suggests a downside to waiting beyond six months.

Jill Poole of the University of Nebraska Medical Center looked at allergies to wheat products such as cereals. Four who started cereal before 6 months developed allergies, but 12 who started after six months did.

Her conclusion:

"I recommend introducing solid foods, particularly cereal grains, between 4 and 6 months of the infant's life." (seven seconds)

That's in line with the Academy's nutrition committee. But the breastfeeding committee recommends six months of exclusive breastfeeding.

Poole's study was in the American Academy of Pediatrics' journal Pediatrics.

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May 7, 2011