Q. My baby is 6 1/2 months old and I have been totally breastfeeding her since she was born. I have started to give her solid food, but she keeps refusing. She'll either keep her mouth shut or spit out the food. I breast feed her directly and she can latch on my breast anytime she wants. My concern is that if she refuses to take solid food, is she getting enough nutrients from breastmilk alone? I have tried to give her different brands of cereal many times but all to no avail. What is the best solution? Thank you for your help.
Monica, via e-mail

A. It is time for her to start taking solid food at 6 1/2 months. Do not worry if she does not take much at this stage. You may want to start with a tiny bit of solid food with a baby spoon just to get her used to the taste before you start to increase the amount. Play with her first and get her to be in a happy mood before introducing the solid food. You may also ask your husband or other family members to offer her the first bit.

KW Chew is a certified midwife and an International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant with a Masters degree in Education.

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