IBCLC Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Preparation Guide

When introducing solid foods to an infant's diet, one of the primary concerns is the risk of choking hazards. Infants have different developmental abilities compared to older children and adults; their oral motor skills are still developing, which makes them less capable of handling foods that could pose a risk of obstruction in the airway. Parents and caregivers need to be particularly mindful of food textures, sizes, and types during this transition. Foods that are hard, round, or sticky can easily block an infant's airway if not chewed properly.

While allergies to certain foods are an important consideration and can indeed pose serious health risks, the immediate and observable danger when first introducing solids is often related to choking. Parental preferences might affect the types of foods introduced, but they do not directly relate to the health and safety risks that choking presents. Additionally, the risk of excess calories is typically not a primary concern when first introducing solids, as the focus is generally on developing skills and exposing infants to a variety of flavors and textures.