CJ D’Hollander et al. J Pediatr 2022; 240: 102-109. Timing of Introduction to Solid Food, Growth, and Nutrition Risk in Later Childhood

Methods: A longitudinal cohort study was conducted among healthy children 0-10 years of age participating in The Applied Research Group for Kids study between June 2008 and August 2019 in Toronto, Canada.

Key findings:

• Of 8943 children included, the mean (SD) age of infant cereal introduction was 5.7 (2.1) months
• Children who were introduced to infant cereal at 4 vs 6 months had 0.17 greater body mass index z score (95% CI 0.06-0.28; P = .002) and greater odds of obesity (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.18-2.80; P = .006) at 10 years of age. 
• Earlier cereal introduction was associated with a less-favorable eating behavior score at 18 months to 5 years of age (0.18 units higher; 95% CI 0.07-0.29; P = .001).

Limitation: This study did not randomize children into early vs late cereal introduction; thus, there may be unidentified confounders that contribute to weight gain in children offered cereal at a younger age.

My take: This study indicates that introduction of cereal at 6 months of age, rather than 4 months of age, may be beneficial in limiting excess weight gain.