The mother of a 4-month-old baby girl asks the nurse when she should introduce solid foods to her infant.The mother states, "My mother says I should put rice cereal in the baby's bottle now.”. The nurse should instruct the mother to introduce solid foods when her child exhibits which behavior?

Choice A rationale Rooting is a reflex that helps a baby find and latch onto the breast or bottle for feeding. While the rooting reflex may diminish as the baby grows, it is not the primary indicator for introducing solid foods. Other developmental milestones are more relevant for this transition. Choice B rationale When a baby starts opening their mouth in response to the sight or smell of food, it indicates a readiness to try solid foods. This behavior shows that the baby is interested in and capable of learning to eat from a spoon, which is a key step in the introduction of solids. Choice C rationale Awakening once for nighttime feedings is common for infants and does not necessarily indicate readiness for solid foods. Nighttime awakenings can occur for various reasons, including hunger, but other developmental signs should be considered for introducing solids. Choice D rationale Giving up a bottle for a cup is a milestone that typically occurs later in infancy or toddlerhood. It is not directly related to the introduction of solid foods, which generally begins around 4 to 6 months of age based on the child's developmental readiness and interest in food.