Picture this: You have just spent hours preparing your baby's first solid food. You have got the perfect, smooth puree, a tiny spoon, and a camera ready to capture this milestone moment. You bring the spoon to your little one's lips, expecting wonder and delight. Instead, your baby's tongue pops out, and the mush ends up... well, everywhere but in their tummy!

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and your baby isn't being fussy. This is called “Extrusion reflex” - a fascinating (but also frustrating) part of your baby's development.

But don't worry, whether you are a seasoned parent or a first-time mother, we are here to unravel the mystery of why your baby seems determined to spit out every morsel of food you offer. 

What is the extrusion reflex?

The extrusion reflex, also known as the tongue-thrust reflex, is a natural protective mechanism in infants. It causes babies to push their tongue forward and out when something touches the front of their tongue or the roof of their mouth. This reflex plays a crucial role in breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, helping your baby create a seal around the nipple and preventing them from choking on too much milk.

Why does the extrusion reflex matter for starting solids?

When you begin introducing solid foods, you might notice your baby pushing food out with their tongue. This isn't because they dislike the food or are being fussy. It is simply their extrusion reflex in action. The reflex can make it challenging for babies to keep food in their mouths and swallow it, which is why you might see more food on their bib than in their tummy!

But why does this reflex, which has been so helpful for feeding up until now, suddenly become an obstacle? Let's break it down:

1. Conflicting mechanisms: The extrusion reflex is designed for liquid feeding, where the tongue moves forward to create suction. However, eating solids requires a different tongue movement - pushing food to the back of the mouth. It takes time for babies to learn this new skill while their reflex is still active.
2. Safety vs. new skills: The reflex acts as a safety mechanism to prevent choking on foreign objects. But now, it's interfering with your baby's ability to explore new textures and learn eating skills. It's a classic case of the body's protective instincts needing to adapt to new developmental stages.
3. Sensory overload: Solid food introduces new textures, tastes, and sensations. The extrusion reflex might kick in as a response to these unfamiliar stimuli, causing your baby to push out the food as they process these new experiences.
4. Coordination challenge: Eating solids requires complex coordination of lips, tongue, and jaw movements. The extrusion reflex can disrupt this coordination, making it difficult for babies to manage food in their mouths effectively.
5. Transition period: This phase marks a significant transition in your baby's feeding journey. The presence of the extrusion reflex during early solid feeding attempts is a reminder that your baby is in a learning phase, developing crucial oral motor skills.
6. Potential frustration: For both babies and parents, the extrusion reflex can lead to frustration during mealtimes. Babies might be eager to try new foods but find themselves involuntarily pushing them out, while parents might worry about their child's nutrition or readiness for solids.

Understanding the role of the extrusion reflex in this transition to solid foods can help you approach this phase with patience and insight. Remember, this reflex is temporary, and with time and practice, your baby will learn to override it and develop the necessary skills for eating a variety of foods.

When does the extrusion reflex disappear?

For most babies, the extrusion reflex begins to fade between 4 to 6 months of age. However, it's important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace. Some might lose this reflex earlier, while others might take a bit longer. By about 6 months, most babies have developed enough control over their tongue movements to start managing solid foods.

Signs your baby is ready for solids

While the disappearance of the extrusion reflex is one sign of readiness for solids, it's not the only one. Here are other indicators to look out for:

1. Your baby can sit up with little or no support
2. They have good head control
3. They show interest in your food, often reaching for it
4. They open their mouth when offered food on a spoon
5. They can move food to the back of their mouth with their tongue

How to work with the extrusion reflex

If your baby still has a strong extrusion reflex when you start solids, don't fret. Here are some tips to help you navigate this phase:

1. Be patient: Remember, this is a new skill for your baby. It might take some time and practice before they master it.
2. Try different textures: Some babies might do better with slightly thicker purees or even soft finger foods.
3. Offer small amounts: Start with tiny portions on the spoon to avoid overwhelming your baby's reflex.
4. Let your baby lead: Baby-led weaning can be a great approach, as it allows your little one to control what goes into their mouth.
5. Practice, practice, practice: Regular exposure to solids will help your baby learn to manage the food in their mouth.

When to seek help

While the extrusion reflex is normal, persistent difficulties with solid foods might indicate other issues. If you are concerned about your baby's ability to eat solids after 7-8 months of age, it is a good idea to consult your paediatrician. They can assess whether there might be other factors at play, such as oral motor difficulties or sensory sensitivities.

Embracing the journey

Starting solids is an exciting milestone, but like many aspects of parenting, it can come with its challenges. The extrusion reflex is just one of the many fascinating ways your baby's body prepares for different stages of development. As you navigate this new phase, remember to be patient with your little one – and with yourself!

Every spoonful that makes it into your baby's mouth is a small victory, even if most of it comes right back out again. Before you know it, your little one will be a pro at eating solids, and you'll be reminiscing about these messy but precious early days of weaning.

So, take a deep breath, grab a bib (or three), and enjoy this new adventure with your baby. After all, the journey of introducing solids is about much more than nutrition – it's about exploration, learning, and bonding with your little one. Happy feeding!