At what age should a breastfed baby be introduced to cereal?

Introducing cereal to a breastfed baby is typically recommended around 6 months of age. At this point, most infants are developmentally ready to begin eating solid foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that by 6 months, babies have usually developed the ability to sit up with minimal support, have good head and neck control, and show readiness cues for feeding.

Breast milk alone provides adequate nutrition for infants during the first 6 months of life, but as they grow, introducing a variety of foods, including cereals, becomes important for meeting their nutritional needs, particularly for iron and other essential nutrients that breast milk might not supply in sufficient amounts beyond this age.

Starting solids too early, such as at 4 months, can pose risks, such as increased likelihood of allergies and digestive issues, while waiting too long (beyond 6 months) can lead to nutrient deficiencies and difficulties in adjusting to solid foods. Thus, 6 months is the optimal age for introducing cereals into a breastfed baby's diet.