Wouldn't it have been better if the WHO hadn't given an age?

[theskiinggardener]

OK, so I've read the WHO documents and looked at some of the research. From everything I have read the 6 month date is misleading. Even the WHO state that some babies are ready at 4 months and can be weaned then, in the same document that says 6 months is recommended.

SO, wouldn't it have been better if they had said:
"When your baby can sit up unaided, is interested in food and has lost the tongue thrust reflex then they are ready to try solids. If they reject it, try again later"

Surely that would be much simpler and would be much more useful to parents?

Oh, and maybe a postscript saying most babies will have got to this stage around 6 months, to be helpful?

Ag, I agree with the 6 months. So I'm okay with that. :)

I have an unpopular opinion. I think most people start solids way too early. I honestly believe around 6 months is a good guideline.

Starting solids isn't all based on physical development. They might be able to sit up unaided, but how would you know their digestive tracts are mature enough? Nah, I prefer the 6 months thing.

some of the WHO's motivation in using the 6 month "limit" relates to its Breastfeeding initiative.

BF babies who are weaned before 6 months may drop their milk consumption enough to threaten the mothers supply so they recommend 6 months to protect the option of continued breastfeeding beyond 6 months.

Relying on the checklist alone is not a good idea either. None of my DC have been able to sit up unaided until 8 or 9 months. But I don't think it's advisable to delay weaning until then. They were crawling before sitting up, and so got pretty hungry.