Don’t force your baby to eat more than she wants. She will let you know when she has had enough. Fat babies are not healthy babies. Researchers believe that babies who gain too much weight in these early months may have more problems with their weight as they grow older. If you think your baby is gaining too much, or not enough weight, talk with your doctor. Pay attention to your baby’s cues. She will know when she has had just the right amount. Never put your baby on a diet! When your baby is hungry, she may: Wave her arms and legs Open her mouth or reach for the food Fuss and look around. When your baby is full, she may: Push away or play with the bottle Hold her mouth tightly shut. Many doctors are recommending that babies not start cereals or other solid foods until they are 6 months of age. The reason is that babies do not have full mouth and tongue control yet and will usually push solids out with their tongues. Another reason to avoid solid foods is that your baby may not have control over her head and neck. Semi-liquid and solid foods should not be given to your baby before she can sit up with support and has head and neck control. Check with your doctor or nurse before starting solid foods.

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