Of the parents surveyed, 40 percent said they were feeding their babies solid foods before four months of age.
That's the minimum recommended age.
Meanwhile, another 10 percent said they gave their babies solid food at one month old or younger.
Many of the parents surveyed said they gave solid foods because their babies seemed interested, or hungry for more.
"They get information from so many sources, from friends to relatives to the internet, that they're not exactly sure what to do, and they figure 'Hey, I may as well try some solid foods. Maybe the baby will sleep better and be happier that way," said pediatrician Dr. Deb Lonzer.
Infants can't safely swallow solids before 4 to 6 months, and they lack the bacteria to digest it properly.
Babies fed solids too soon can develop obesity, diabetes, eczema, and celiac disease.
