Can a 4-month-old baby eat complementary foods?

Generally, whether a four-month-old baby can start complementary foods mainly depends on the baby's development and digestive condition. If the baby has good physical growth and digestive function, complementary foods can usually be introduced. However, if the baby shows delayed development or poor digestive function, it is generally not recommended to introduce complementary foods at four months. The details are as follows:

If the baby is developing well, without signs of developmental delay or slow growth, and has good digestive function—meaning no symptoms such as bloating or constipation after feeding—it is typically appropriate to begin introducing complementary foods at four months to supplement nutrition.

If the baby is not developing well, showing signs of malnutrition or developmental delays, and has poor digestion—such as experiencing bloating, dry stools, or difficulty passing stool after feeding—it is generally not advisable to introduce complementary foods at four months, as this may negatively affect gastrointestinal health.

When starting complementary foods, it is recommended to gradually increase the amount and progress from thin, liquid textures to thicker, solid ones. Additionally, closely monitor the baby’s response after feeding; if any adverse reactions occur, feeding should be stopped immediately.