Final answer:
The milestones that indicate an infant is ready to accept solid foods include doubling their birth weight, the fading of the tongue-thrust reflex, and the ability to sit up with or without support.
Step-by-step explanation:
The milestones that indicate an infant is ready to accept solid foods include:
- The infant has doubled his birth weight to at least 13 pounds. This shows that the infant has been growing and developing well, which is an important factor in their readiness for solid foods.
- The infant's tongue-thrust reflex has faded. This reflex, which causes the tongue to push solid food out of the mouth, typically fades around 4 to 6 months of age. When the tongue-thrust reflex is no longer present, it indicates that the infant is physiologically ready to eat solid foods.
- The infant can sit up with or without support. This milestone indicates that the infant has developed the necessary head and neck control to safely eat solid foods. Sitting up also helps prevent choking and allows the infant to better manipulate food in their mouth.