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Solid foods should never be fed via a bottle as this increases the risk of choking and does not support oral motor development. At 3 months, the infant’s GI tract and neuromuscular maturity are not yet sufficient for solids.

Waiting until 12 months delays key nutrients like iron and zinc and misses a critical developmental window for introducing textures and preventing feeding difficulties.

Infants are not expected to handle a spoon themselves at 6 months. Rather, they begin to accept food from a spoon held by a caregiver when they demonstrate readiness signs such as disappearance of tongue thrust, good head control, and interest in food.

Oral care should begin before tooth eruption, not after full dentition. Delaying increases risk of early childhood caries.

Infants should not use toothpaste until at least age 12–18 months, and even then, only a rice-grain amount of fluoride toothpaste under supervision. Toothpaste is not needed for early oral cleaning.

Rinsing is not necessary and may pose a choking hazard in young infants. Instead, cleaning with a washcloth is safer and more effective for removing milk residue and bacteria.

Even at 9 months, the infant’s GI system and kidneys are still immature. Substituting cow’s milk too early increases the risk of iron-deficiency anemia and other nutrient imbalances.

While whole milk is appropriate after 12 months, it is still not safe before 1 year, regardless of fat content, due to the nutrient profile and iron-related concerns.

Diluting formula can lead to water intoxication, hyponatremia, and malnutrition. Nurses must offer safe, supportive alternatives like referral to nutrition assistance programs rather than endorsing harmful practices.

While bottle weaning is important to prevent dental caries and promote independence, it is not as urgent as assessing for the risk of early cow’s milk introduction.

While asking about fruits and vegetables the child has been fed is relevant to dietary variety, this does not address the primary safety concern about inappropriate milk intake and its impact on iron status.

Self-feeding supports motor development and autonomy, but again, this is secondary to the need to verify the type of milk consumed.

While the mother's observations are important, readiness should be based on developmental milestones, not feelings or assumptions alone.

Increased hunger may signal a growth spurt, not necessarily readiness for solids. Hunger alone is not a reliable indicator of readiness for spoon-feeding or managing textures.

While collaboration with the provider is essential, the nurse is qualified to assess developmental readiness and provide anticipatory guidance about solid food introduction as part of routine well-child care.

While stuffed animals should be free of small parts like button eyes and long strings, a soft stuffed animal is generally safe for a 6-month-old, especially under supervision.

As long as the toy cell phone age-appropriate with no detachable small parts or batteries accessible to the child, toy phones encourage imitation and sensory play and are generally safe for infants.

Shape sorter is a common, safe toy for older infants that promotes fine motor skills and cognitive development. As long as the pieces are too large to swallow, it’s appropriate for a 6-month-old.